Story
Directed by Orson Welles, the 1941 film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in the history of cinema. It tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy and powerful newspaper magnate, whose life is explored through flashbacks as reporters seek to unravel the mystery behind his last word, "Rosebud." The narrative structure and innovative techniques used in the film, such as deep focus cinematography, nonlinear storytelling, and dramatic lighting, have made it a pioneering work in the field of filmmaking.
Orson Welles not only directed the film but also co-wrote the screenplay with Herman J. Mankiewicz and starred as the lead character, Charles Foster Kane. His performance was praised for its depth and complexity, capturing the ambition, vulnerability, and ultimate downfall of the character. The film also featured a talented supporting cast including Joseph Cotten as Jedediah Leland, Dorothy Comingore as Susan Alexander, and Agnes Moorehead as Mary Kane.
The film received nine Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Despite its critical acclaim, it had a modest box office reception upon its release but has since grown in reputation. It has been a fixture on numerous "greatest films" lists, including the American Film Institute’s ranking, which placed it at the top of their 100 Years...100 Movies list. Orson Welles’s direction has been particularly lauded for its visionary style, making it a seminal work in the careers of everyone involved.
