Sunday, November 30, 2014
Homework for "Citizen Kane"
After viewing the film and hearing some of the commentary by Roger Ebert, what do you remember the best (and what is most important for you about the film?). Does it deserve its status as one of the greatest films of all time? Would you recommend it to a friend? Why or why not?
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I think that, perhaps, my feelings about the film are coloured a bit by Roger Ebert’s enthusiasm. As a reviewer I deeply respect, it seems fair to me to open my mind to new interpretations and to understand why Ebert feels that the film is such a great one. That reaction is also coloured by the opinion of my good friend Francois, a Quebec film maker and camera man, who also adores the film. Why such enthusiastic responses? I did wonder when I first saw the film as a young man. Now that I understand more about its genius cinematography and bold narrative structure, I can appreciate the film on its own terms. It will never be easy to watch (now that I’ve seen it five or more times) and it will never be easy to listen to Susan Alexander’s grating voice! A scene I will always remember is when Kane, upon being finally abandoned by his wife at Xanadu, tears apart her bedroom. Charlie Kane seems like a child having a tantrum and so, finally, I understand his last word, “Rosebud.” He had spent his whole life chasing that safe and secure feeling one has as a child (represented by his sled). As for recommending the film for a friend, I would be careful. Most of us want to be entertained when watching a film and, in the case of “Citizen Kane” we may feel more hit over the head by its grim portrayal of a deeply flawed man. Only a few of my friends would want to spend their evenings that way!—264 words
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