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Re: Citizen Kane, Rashomon: am I missing something?

As I suspected -- most of the people poo-pooing your view have no insight themselves into any film other than to re-word what they read from some OTHER film critic. Indeed, this is not unlike most posters on Audio asylum who regurgitate views of critics or equipment reviewers.

Film art, like any other art, has to work in a layering level. Viscerally it MUST engage you pure and simple. I can respect many films for their ideas and attempt but the bottom line is the result. On the flip side there are many films that have outstanding execution of rather paper thin depth of purpose. The latter can be far more enjoyable to watch on multiple viewings. barbara Streisand is a far better Singer than Madonna will ever be -- I recognize that but I still would FAR rather listen to Madonna because her tunes while thin as onion paper are toe tapping fun while Streisand puts me to sleep. Bob Dylan may be a great song writer but because his enunciation is so horrendously awful I can;t make out what it is he is trying to get across -- and if I have to read the liner notes -- then you suck (learn to sing).

Films like Kane are to be frank boring. The cinematography is interesting but many shots pander to the "see look how cool this shot is" crowd and don;t in the least bit serve the story -- (I was distracted from the plot by most of the cinematography). There is an old saying that many American films don;t seem to get then or now that sometimes err most times LESS is MORE. If I am consciously noticing the cinematography then the film maker has failed the audience. An exception would be a film like a Run Lola Run where the camera is taking us on the journey.

Another overrated film with what is by today's standards an utter laughable joke in terms of remotely credible dialogue is Casablanca. The lesser mentioned The Third Man had a point, effective cinematography, above average acting, and involving pacing. If it was not for the crappy score that grated on my nerves like finger nails on a chalkboard it would have made it higher on my top 100 list.


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