“Citizen Kane” is considered one of the greatest classics of American Cinema. The picture was directed by Orson Welles, (who also starred) one of the most famous directors of all time. Several websites I have found like “Business Insider” and “IMDB” hold “Citizen Kane” as one of the best classic movies. I watched the movie myself and wondered, ‘What is so great that people think it’s that good?’ What makes “Citizen Kane” a classic? Is it the characters, the themes, and or plot structure that makes this movie a classic? What affects does this movie and its message have on a Christian’s lifestyle?
The titular character of Charles Kane is a reason that this movie is considered a classic. Kane’s character journey has something that every viewer can relate too. But Kane’s faults are the most relatable for any audience. From his pride, as he never backs down to whomever he faces, to his greed and not just of money or things, but also of his greed of what Kane believes is respect from other people. Kane’s character is written so well that it draws in a viewer to look at them self and makes them think about what they would do in Kane’s position.
The idea of the “American Dream” is Citizen Kane’s most important theme. Kane grows up in a poor family and then rises to a position of great wealth and stature. This sequence of events is an idea that several people dream about having, but Citizen Kane does a great job at flipping that dream on its head. The movie takes the American dream and shows how it doesn’t always work out. Kane tries to have everything he thinks will make him happy, fame, wealth, power, but nothing makes him happy. The story reveals that he was happier when he was poor. This idea can change someone’s mind and that will stand for a long time.
The plot structure to Citizen Kane is very unique. The narrative starts with Kane’s passing and then his story is told through interviews and documents. We see how people felt about him and saw what kind of man he was, but not in a present setting. This reporting style storytelling is interesting for the audience as we start to try and uncover the mystery of the man ourselves. The way this plot is told gives that movie a feeling that is wholly it’s own which can never be duplicated.
Now, what does this movie mean for a Christian? The major message for Christians could be a cautionary tale about greed. Kane gains vast wealth at a young age and through his life he collects more and more things. In the end, Kane realizes that all these things have not brought him happiness. Christians know that money does not make them happy, but several Christians are still worried about the monetary issues of this world. Christians aren’t the only ones who worry about their finical situation. Everyone worries about how they might live without enough money. But many time people let money consume their very lives and it leads them down to misery, like with Charles Kane. This movie can serve as an example of how wealth can be a means that can destroy one’s life just as much as it can help. Citizen Kane can help Christians to see that money isn’t what can better their life, but instead, a simple life can be just as fulfilling and better for your soul.
Will Arbuckle's Faith Based American Classic Movie Reviews 