In Reply to: The mystery of Citizen Kane posted by Victor Khomenko on December 28, 2003 at 07:10:08:
Movies today wouldn't exist as they are without the innovations (which Rico already mentioned) brought about by Kane. Basically, Kane reinvented the entire medium.But putting all that aside, the subject of "art" is missing for you in Kane? I am just at a loss. The cinematography and treatment of light in Kane is gorgeous. Subtle. Elegant. Natural, yet surreal and dramatic. Gregg Toland was an absolute genius/artist cinematographer.
The acting . . . ? Maybe a bit stilted by the standard of modern method acting, yet still captivating, humorous and nuanced. Welles's depiction of a frustrated megalomaniac is right on the money. No art here, Victor? Well, maybe you are a product of a different time.
There's sheer ballsy art in the use of newsreels to tell a story. There's art in the way the story is told in non-linear flashback. This film had so many firsts. There's IS art in innovation. And there is art is in the details. You just take it all for granted.
You can so easily fall on your usual anti-American "naive nationalism" crutch if you like, but I see it the opposite way. Just like Kane, Americans are much more subtle, varied, culturally important and sophisticated than you think.
It's so fashionable for young rock fans to dismiss the Beatles these days too. But like young film lovers dismissing Kane, it only shows a lack of perspective and insight.
It's ok to that Kane's not your favorite, but it is a mistake to think it's not one of the most important films ever made.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- Re: The mystery of Citizen Kane - Troy 10:39:53 12/28/03 (25)
- It just goes to show you... - Audiophilander 00:38:21 12/29/03 (24)
- Re: It just goes to show you... - Troy 09:09:46 12/29/03 (5)
- Probably. - Audiophilander 09:44:27 12/29/03 (4)
- Well, maybe, but unlike you... - Victor Khomenko 11:03:44 12/29/03 (3)
- If that were only true. - Audiophilander 13:27:19 12/29/03 (2)
- I see it differently - Victor Khomenko 14:32:06 12/29/03 (1)
- "The two parts of the world took different roads..." - Yep, and they don't all lead to Rome, or Pompeii for that matter! - Audiophilander 15:24:07 12/29/03 (0)
- Re: It just goes to show you... - Victor Khomenko 05:24:09 12/29/03 (8)
- Are you comparing that stinking piece of shit "Salo" to "Citizen Kane"...? - orejones 07:39:34 12/29/03 (6)
- OK, then I will. - djprobed 11:38:24 12/30/03 (0)
- Re: Stinging piece of...... - patrickU 08:12:57 12/29/03 (0)
- Sorry I forgot to ask your permission (nt) - Victor Khomenko 07:57:33 12/29/03 (3)
- Then you are... (nt) - orejones 08:13:32 12/29/03 (2)
- The sue me. - Victor Khomenko 08:19:23 12/29/03 (1)
- I think he saw the doors closing on your bankrupt enterprise. - Audiophilander 09:02:07 12/29/03 (0)
- Re: It just goes to show you... - patrickU 05:39:31 12/29/03 (0)
- Re: It just goes to show you... - patrickU 04:47:51 12/29/03 (8)
- Speaking of influences... - Victor Khomenko 05:06:34 12/29/03 (7)
- Re: John Ford - rico 09:39:46 12/29/03 (3)
- Re: John Ford - patrickU 09:43:02 12/29/03 (2)
- Re: Stagecoach - rico 10:29:19 12/29/03 (1)
- Re: Stagecoach - patrickU 10:35:33 12/29/03 (0)
- Re: Speaking of influences... - patrickU 05:36:13 12/29/03 (2)
- Re: Speaking of influences... - Victor Khomenko 06:42:26 12/29/03 (1)
- Re: Speaking of influences... No wonder... - patrickU 07:18:29 12/29/03 (0)