Citizen Kane

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews

Viviana A I really enjoyed Citizen Kane. It has such a dark, dramatic feel, and the camera work and lighting really add to that atmosphere. The cinematography had a lot of deep focus shots and really creative angles, it made every scene feel intense and gives you a sense into Kane’s world. The way light and shadows are used gives it a mysterious feel and, and you can tell the thought that went into each shot. The performances are great and memorable, Orson Welles as Charles Foster Kane was entertaing to watch. The way the movie pieces together Kane’s life through the flashbacks and different perspectives feels way ahead of its time. It’s not just about the story itself but more the structure and how it’s presented that makes it so interesting. This was a film that makes an impression. The combination of camera techniques,lighting, and storytelling makes it clear why this movie is still so highly praised. It’s a visually stunning look at what ambition and power can do, definitely a classic. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/12/24 Full Review joe j As I am 1 year older than this movie, so I have seen many more of them than most. In common with many critics I rate Citizen Kane as the best ever. Despite viewing many more than once it still remains a superlative one of a kind. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/24 Full Review Micah H People talk so much about the technical mastery that they fail to appreciate the poignant emotional impact of this tragic storyline. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/24 Full Review Julian Rex M With groundbreaking cinematography, a borderline contemporary performance from Orson Wells, and a heft metaphor portraying the horror of pride left unchecked, Citizen Kane stands far higher than an ordinary pedestrian, even if it is emotionally inert. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/03/24 Full Review Landon W The movie is a must-see! Before watching this movie, you have to watch the Simpsons Season 5, Episode 4: Rosebud. Rosebud has to be my favorite scene of this fantastic movie. The movie is amazing because of the innovative lighting and focusing methods of its cinematographer, Gregg Toland, and the dramatic editing style of Robert Wise. Orson Welles did an amazing job playing the role of Charles Foster Kane! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/01/24 Full Review Ray T Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane is truly a masterpiece and an early example of the auteur practice, with Orson Welles serving as producer, director, and lead actor, portraying Charles Foster Kane. The film adopts a nonlinear storytelling style, beginning with a sense of suspense surrounding the word “Rosebud.” It tells the story of the extravagant life of Charles Foster Kane and ends with a heartwarming, simple memory of his childhood—“Rosebud,” representing his innocent and happy times. Another aspect that really caught my attention is the cinematography by Gregg Toland. The use of deep focus, where both the foreground and background remain in focus, supports the story in an innovative and engaging way. Dramatic lighting, such as low-key lighting and high contrast, also stands out. For instance, in certain moments, Charles is completely in darkness, and the next second he steps into the light, suggesting the various sides of his personality. I really love the mood conveyed by the silhouettes. However, I do feel there is a lack of positive representation of women and people of color in the film. The seamless integration of sound design and montage blurs the line between editing and storytelling, making transitions feel natural. Additionally, the use of double exposure in scenes like the montage sequence, which conveys Susan Alexander’s rise to fame, juxtaposing newspapers with her singing, is remarkable. Citizen Kane also incorporates experimental elements and filmmaking techniques that were pioneering for its time, making it a must-watch film that continues to inspire filmmakers for generations. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/13/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Citizen Kane

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now