Expert: Mel - 12/12/2007

Question
I just heard on radio that Orson Welles' Oscar was up for auction.  Of course they mentioned Citizen Kane as the most admired movie ever.  I saw it some time ago and was undewhelmed.  I think Third Man (and didn't he do Touch of Evil, also?) is (are) a much better movie(s).  What are the reasons that critics hold Citizen Kane in such esteem?

Answer
Hello John,

I must confess that this has always been a source of puzzlement for me also. "Citizen Kane" is obviously an important film in the history of American Cinema, and was an enormous achievement by the 26-year-old Welles who not only starred in the film, but also wrote, produced and directed it. The sets, lighting and camera angles were viewed as highly innovative in 1941 USA, but it has to be said that it was heavily influenced by the European Cinema of the late 1930's.

It is a good film, but whether it is the greatest film ever made, or even just the greatest American film ever made, is highly debatable. It certainly deserves to be in the list of top films, but personally, I preferred his second film, "The Magnificent Ambersons".

You mention "The Third Man", which was an excellent film, but it was not really what you could call a "Welles film". It was directed by Carol Reed and starred Welles' friend Joseph Cotten. Welles had comparatively little screen time, although the story was centred around his seldom seen character. This is probably one of the best British films ever made.

Another excellent film that you mention is "Touch Of Evil". And this one he did write, direct and star in. He even managed to get a good performance out of Charlton Heston in it.


Glad to be of help. Cheers.........Mel.