“Citizen Kane” (Movie Reviews-5/2/41)

Microfilm-New York Times archives, Monterey Public Library | 5/2/41 | Bosley Crowther, T.S., T.M.P.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime” Or view Homer’s posting history .)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile. Also visit our general discussion thread

[Homer_J_Simpson]

“Citizen Kane” clips

An example of low-level lighting and overlapping dialogue
I think it would be fun
The Sacred Cause
Orson Welles pays homage to the film, mad love
An example of Gregg Toland’s deep-focus cinematography
A camera move through the roof of a nightclub
A marriage in six brief acts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

“Citizen Kane” archived material (photos and posters, etc.)

[Homer_J_Simpson]

“Citizen Kane” original trailer

[freedumb2003]

Citizen Kane - “must see” — SO TRUE!

Interesting how the reviewer doesn’t mention the elephant in the room: that it was about Hurst.

[Sacajaweau]

I have the special edition which has a long dissertation at the end about Hurst.

[WashStateGirl]

“rosebud” :P

[Puppage]

Dang! Ya beat me to it.

[texanyankee]

On my list of top 5 movies of all time...

[Eepsy]

Love all the ads- talk about spoilt for choice!

[Colonel_Flagg]

Great post. An American cultural icon, to be sure.

[Lancey Howard]

Great stuff.
BUMP

[PfromHoGro]

This is a great movie to play “Bob” to (drink whenever it’s said).

But play “Mister”.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Interesting how the reviewer doesn’t mention the elephant in the room: that it was about Hurst.

Crowther does make a couple references to the Hearst connection - "Within the withering spotlight as no other film has ever been before," "It parallels the life of an eminent publisher . . ." - so maybe he figured he didn't have to spell it out since his readers were already knowledgable about it.

I watched the movie over the weekend. Since I have rented most of the movies from the reviews I post I have seen a pretty good representation of mainstream film-making from 1938 to 1941. "Citizen Kane" brings some completely new ideas to the screen. Welles was an original thinker in this medium.

After this viewing I decided that my favorite scene is when Kane kicks off his political career at a banquet and has hired some showgirls to introduce his theme song. Kane joins the chorus line and hops around the room with them. A strange and wonderful scene.

[Borges]

Did you listen to Roger Ebert’s commentary on the DVD? It’s terrific.