It's Tuesday folks, and that means it's time for a new edition of Rachel's Classic Corner. Last week, Rachel examined "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" and concluded the film could not stand the test of time. This week, she picked a really famous classic. It's "Citizen Kane" day at the Screening Log today, and I'm sure you're dying to find out what Rachel has got to say about this one. Enjoy.  

Citizen Kane (1941)

The plot: Newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane dies uttering the word "rosebud" with his final breath. A group of journalists set out to find the meaning behind Kane's dying word.

Modern thoughts on a classic movie: Considered by many to be the granddaddy of classic cinema, "Citizen Kane" has quite a bit of hype to live up to in order to impress the modern viewer. Thankfully, it succeeds.

With a majority of the film told in flashbacks during interviews of Kane’s former friends, employees and one ex-wife, the story and its main character are gripping, with layer upon layer of overwhelming depth. Chronicling Kane’s life from a poor boy to a rich old man, the movie reasonably argues that money, power and greed will change a person for the worst. Orson Welles’s performance as Kane is electrifying. He ignites the screen with a passionate portrayal of a man who lacked any real passion his life, except for that of money and power. Welles never falters: he is never wooden nor over the top. His supporting cast certainly remains in his shadow for the duration of the movie, but everyone holds their own as best to be expected, except for Dorothy Comingore, who gives a lackluster performance as Kane’s second wife.

Besides having an intriguing story and thrilling leading man, the film is just beautiful to watch. Welles, who also directed, lines up each shot to play upon the viewer’s senses with such a refined style that it is no wonder many film historians, scholars and critics consider "Citizen Kane" to be an innovation in filmmaking. No shot is wasted and each is as stunning as the one before it, something not often experienced while viewing modern films.

Even if the enigma of “rosebud” has already been revealed, the film is still fascinating to watch, as it is the tale of one man’s long and rocky journey through life, learning that all the money in the world cannot buy love and happiness. It’s a simple moral tale that most people already know, but Orson Welles’ treatment of his subject matter and beauty of his filmmaking create a truly timeless film that every self-proclaimed film buff should watch at least once.

The final word: Does it stand the test of time? Definitely. Almost 70 years after its original release, "Citizen Kane" can still impress a modern film lover. In another 70 years, people will probably still hail "Citizen Kane" as one of the greatest movies of all time, and with good reason.