That eerie overture blasting down at you, or the haunting images of Xanadu atop a creepily moonlit mountain. I'm not sure what drew me in first but soon I would be captivated by the 1941 Masterpiece, Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane". During a chance viewing (now that restrictions have let up) I was able to finally see this film on the Big screen . This film is one of my all time favorites, I could not wait to see it in its glory. Thanks to TCM's Fathom event returns, that chance came true. With captivating imagery, stunning cinematography, an entrancing music score, and last but not least, a fantastic screenplay. The actors were all superb, showing their talent and understanding of their craft. This proved to be an experience I will never forget.
Being one of my favorite films, I had hyped myself up to epic proportions. Watching this film with my wife for her first time was also quite an experience. Projected on a movie theater screen made the film seem so much more. Scenes seem to come alive in a whole new way, drawing my attention to details on screen that had never been noticed by me before. Even though this film is in Black and White, the vividness within the film stock is incredible, almost as if the film was shot yesterday. So many things make this a top ten film of all time. It can easily be understood why it ranks as number one on The American Film Institutes top one hundred films of all time and number two on The British Film Institutes top one hundred of all time.
Creating its mark in film history was due to the many creative facets included in the films toolbox. Starting with captivating imagery and creative cinematography, anyone can be hooked solely by the visuals. With collaborative efforts by Orson Wells and Gregg Toland, your eyes are immediately drawn to every scene with wonder and awe. Adding to all visual aspects of this film was the musical genius of Bernard Herrmann. With eerily deep to exciting upbeats, the music score in this film directly compliments the lead-ins to each scene. All of these elements come together like a fine wine do solely in large part to Herman J. Mankiewicz's screen writing. Combining articulate conversation with tantalizing backstories including amazing character development, forever logged this film in the annals of screenplay writing. Finalizing all the elements of this terrific stew together were the actors themselves. Incorporating the actors from his Mercury Theater, Welles discipline paid off on screen. Long takes with no cuts made this film more like a stage production than a movie production. Giving his troupe a chance to shine in their abilities and bring all the stories characters to life with extreme enthusiasm, highlighting their talent and dedication to the craft.
Being able to view this film in a venue that magnifies its true potential made for an awe inspiring reaction. One that I shall never forget. Basking in the glow of great artistry, absorbing vision and sound, all the while captivated by mysticism and wonder created a lifelong dream come true. As we rise from a pandemic that has held us in closed quarters for far to long. Turner Classic Movies and their Fathom events have brought me out of the darkness and into the light with a whole new set of eyes. I want to thank them for opening mine up with a masterpiece of shear vision.
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