For me, a movie does not need ambiguity throughout or hidden meanings or to teach me something to be good. I just want to be amused and enjoy myself. I can't say I felt this way while watching Citizen Kane. I just wasn't immersed in the experience. Maybe it had to do with the black and white film (definitely an acquired taste) as a constant reminder that it was only a movie. It could have been the fact that I wasn't emotionally (love or hate) attached to any of the characters. During the whole movie, I found myself just waiting for it to end, so I could finally find out what Rosebud was, only to see it was a simple sled. This revelation can be interpreted in a infinite number of ways, which does make the film a finely made piece of cinema, but it does not really appeal to me. I don't want to finish a movie and immediately be in deep thought. I believe books far better serve that purpose. I want to recall all of the funny and entertaining scenes from a film, not try to figure out what message the film was trying to get across.
Does this opinion make me less sophisticated than the next guy? I don't know and I also don't care because I know what I like to see in a film (I do like some serious films). I do agree that this is a fantastic (not amusing, just fantastic) piece of cinema (not experience, just piece of cinema) and is a great film to dissect in a film class because there is so much going on from the transitions (someone face appearing on top of another face), to the background, to the subtle yet all important dialogue, to the position of the characters, to the camera placement, and the list goes on. It is quite amazing how much work must have gone into the creation of this film. It's just that too much ambiguity can confuse me, which is not what I want from a film. While I am quite sure this film stimulates my mind far more than any comedy or action film there is, I would still rather view the latter for pure entertainment any day of the week. Perhaps with age, this preference will begin to change. Who knows what the future has in store? Well, I do, but I ain't saying.
Once again, my title is a question, which means I have forced myself to answer a question (Damn me!). I asked if this film is a timeless classic. At this stage in my life, I am tending to lean towards no solely because I am not interested in the plot. If a different film used similar filming techniques, with a better plot, I would most likely love that film. If people want to know about the strange life of Charles Foster Kane, then I can definitely see how this film can receive the acclaim that it does.
Steve, these were very funny and well-written comments. I do agree with you that books do serve the purpose better as an object of dissection than films, as a personal preference as well. Also, I do agree that the biggest issue I had in Citizen Kane was that I did not feel emotionally connected to any of the characters. That was the least appealing element of the film personally. This was another brilliant piece of writing as we delve deeper into the mind of Steve Florentino. You always speak very clearly and always make me laugh. Very nice job! (Too bad you got dunked on!)
ReplyDeleteI didn't get dunked on!! Also, my mind is a complex labyrinth and no one will ever delve deep enough. But, if somehow they do, they won't live to tell the tale. Thanks much for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post Steve. You did a really good job at articulating your thoughts and it really made me interested in what you had to say. And no, I don't think it makes you less sophisticated to just want to remember the amusing part of a film, because that is just a matter of personal preference. It just means you have a unique way of looking at films that others could benefit from. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I agree, not with your rejection of film analysis, -- that is anti-intellectual, and unworthy of discussion. I agree that I didn't like Kane that much. It's not the kind of film one can warm up to.
ReplyDeleteKane is a set-piece, a kind of text-book on what can be done with film. You are mistaken on it not being a timeless classic, its enduring appeal over 68 years proves that. Our opinion can neither add nor detract. And, no film class can ignore it and claim to be legit. But, like the Japanese Tea Ceremony, or certain kinds of obscure athletic competitions, it's not something one gets emotionally involved in.
Now, if it is the emotional force that you find missing, then I ask you to withold judgement until our next film, "Runaway Train." I think you will find that that particular film will satisfy your desire for emotional power, while also asking you to think deeply.
You will perhaps be comforted to know that the first time I watched most of these films, I did not analyze them at all. I was just lucky to be able to figure out the plot.
I am not really saying I reject film analysis. I just don't watch films solely to analyze them, which is all I am getting out of Citizen Kane right now. As for the 68 years of popularity, I'm sure it is far more popular with elder people rather than teenagers. So, in about ten to fifteen years, I may feel like this film is very deserving of it's sustained popularity, but right now I am pretty sure I don't completely understand it.
ReplyDeleteSteve, your analysis of Citizen Kane is a timeless classic. Frankly I did not think it was all that impressing and the end was disappointing at best. But then again what movie can live up to the colossal reputation of Citizen Kane.
ReplyDeleteThank you D-Bone. I also think my composition is quite eloquent. And once again with the wit. Saying that not even Citizen Kane can live up to the colossal reputation of Citizen Kane. You get me every time D-Bone, every time.
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