Few films can claim the laurels rested on Citizen Kane. Fewer still were made before 1960. Even today, Citizen Kane can be watched as if it were made yesterday. It serves as a testament to the film and the men behind it, namely Orson Welles, who propelled it to such a degree of fame among the film community. Loosely based off of newspaper mogul William Randolf Hearst, the film originally sparked controversy over the portrayal of the titular characters life. Today, however, it is an enjoyable trip back in time covering the societal climate from the 1890s to the early 1940s.
There are a lot of things about this flick that are ahead of its time. The kind of shot composition and transition tricks used throughout the film are still eye catching. Sitting and watching it I wonder how they managed to pull off some of the things they did considering the year it was made. Also stunning are the sets and make-up, especially for the aging done to the characters. Welles was in his twenties when he played Kane, but made up to look like an eighty year old man, he didn't look too far removed from his physical appearance when he himself grew old.
I still find it amazing how well made the film is considering the young cast and crew. It was also unheard of at the time for a director to have complete creative control over his work, yet Welles managed to do that as well with this project. Its length may be a turn-off for younger viewers, but it should absolutely be required viewing for anyone entering the film industry. It serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark for future and current filmmakers.