Citizen Kane: The Timeless Classic Now Streaming on BBC iPlayer
An utterly unmissable cinematic masterpiece, often celebrated as the 'greatest film ever made,' is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. This groundbreaking movie, which faced significant controversy upon its release, has since cemented its status as a true classic in film history.
A Revolutionary First Feature
Citizen Kane, the American drama created by legendary filmmaker Orson Welles, represents a remarkable achievement in cinema. Incredibly, this was Welles' first-ever feature film, a project where he served not only as the lead actor but also as co-writer, director, and producer—a rare feat that granted him complete creative control, something unheard of at the time.
The film's central character, Charles Foster Kane, is based on various US media barons, most notably William Randolph Hearst, a powerful publisher and politician. Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 1941, Citizen Kane struggled commercially due to a fierce campaign by Hearst, who viewed it as a defamatory attack and used his media empire to suppress its promotion.
Innovative Storytelling and Lasting Impact
The plot of Citizen Kane begins with the death of wealthy newspaper publisher Charles Foster Kane, who utters the mysterious last word 'Rosebud.' A reporter, Jerry Thompson, is tasked with uncovering the meaning behind this word, leading to a tale told through flashbacks that explores Kane's rise from rags to riches, punctuated by themes of corruption, control, and loneliness.
This non-linear narrative, combined with groundbreaking cinematography and sound design, revolutionized filmmaking. Today, the movie is preserved in the US National Film Registry for its cultural and historical significance and has topped numerous best film polls, including those by the British Film Institute and the American Film Institute.
Critical Acclaim and Modern Praise
Initially, most critics lauded Welles' revolutionary work, especially given his background in theatre. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning Best Writing. Over the years, it has garnered an almost perfect 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans praising it as 'fascinating,' 'unique,' and 'unmissable.'
One reviewer noted, 'Citizen Kane is definitely one of the greatest movies of all time. It is a film that must be watched multiple times to pick up on subtle symbolisms.' Another simply stated, 'Utterly unmissable,' while a third hailed it as a timeless one-off: 'It remains as witty, tragic, unlikely, unique, and fascinating as ever.'
If you have never experienced this innovative masterpiece, now is the perfect opportunity. Citizen Kane is streaming on BBC iPlayer, offering a chance to witness a film that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal and cinematic brilliance.
