While artistic merit is inherently subjective, Citizen Kane (1941) is widely regarded by many film critics and historians as the greatest movie ever made.
The Enduring Legacy of Citizen Kane
Directed by and starring the visionary Orson Welles, Citizen Kane premiered in 1941 and quickly carved out a unique place in cinematic history. Its profound impact stems from a combination of groundbreaking techniques and a compelling narrative, which together redefined what was possible in filmmaking.
Why Citizen Kane Stands Out
- Critical Acclaim and Poll Dominance: The film has consistently topped numerous international polls of film critics and directors, solidifying its status as a timeless masterpiece. For instance, it famously held the prestigious number one position for an impressive five consecutive decades in the British Film Institute's highly respected Sight and Sound decennial poll, a survey that gathers opinions from leading critics worldwide. This unparalleled consistency highlights its enduring critical reverence.
- Cinematic Innovations: Citizen Kane introduced a revolutionary visual and narrative language. Key innovations include:
- Deep Focus Photography: Allowing multiple planes of action to remain in sharp focus simultaneously, adding depth and complexity to scenes.
- Non-linear Narrative Structure: Telling the story of Charles Foster Kane through fragmented flashbacks from various characters' perspectives, a technique that was highly unconventional at the time.
- Overlapping Dialogue: Mimicking real-life conversations where characters speak over each other, creating a more naturalistic soundscape.
- Low-Angle Shots: Often featuring ceilings, a previously uncommon practice that added to the film's distinctive visual style and sense of grandeur or confinement.
- Influence on Future Filmmakers: Its bold experimentation profoundly influenced generations of directors, setting new standards for storytelling, cinematography, and sound design in cinema.
Understanding "The Best Ever"
The concept of the "best movie ever" is complex and often debated. While personal preferences vary widely, a film gains widespread recognition as "the best" when it:
- Demonstrates unparalleled artistic innovation for its time.
- Achieves significant critical recognition and lasting cultural impact.
- Exerts a profound influence on subsequent films and filmmakers.
- Maintains relevance and continues to resonate with audiences and critics across generations.
Citizen Kane's consistent presence at the apex of critical polls is a testament to its fulfillment of these criteria, making it the most frequently cited answer to the question of which movie is considered the best ever.
