#1104: WELLES, Orson: Citizen Kane (1941)

WELLES, Orson (United States)
Citizen Kane [1941]
Spine #1104
Blu-ray


In the most dazzling debut feature in cinema history, twenty-five-year-old writer-producer-director-star Orson Welles synthesized the possibilities of sound-era filmmaking into what could be called the first truly modern movie. In telling the story of the meteoric rise and precipitous fall of a William Randolph Hearst–like newspaper magnate named Charles Foster Kane, Welles not only created the definitive portrait of American megalomania, he also unleashed a torrent of stylistic innovations — from the jigsaw-puzzle narrative structure to the stunning deep-focus camera work of Gregg Toland — that have ensured that Citizen Kane remains fresh and galvanizing for every new generation of moviegoers to encounter it.

119 minutes
Black and White
Monaural
1:37:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2021


Director/Writers

Screenplay by Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles.
Welles was 26 when he directed Citizen Kane.

Other films by Welles in the Collection:


The Film

A

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Forty-six page booklet featuring an essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri.

Commentary
  1. Featuring Welles scholars James Naremore and Jonathan Rosenbaum;
  2. Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich; and
  3. Film critic Roger Ebert.
The Complete “Citizen Kane” (1991)

A rarely seen feature-length BBC documentary.

Interviews 1

With critic Farran Smith Nehme and film scholar Racquel J. Gates.

Two video essays

By film scholar Robert L. Carringer and filmmakers David Cairns and Randall William Cook.

Program

By film scholars and effects expert Craig Barron and Ben Burtt.

Interviews 2

With collaborators of Welles, as well as film professionals who have been influenced by the film.

Television appearances

By actor Cotten.

Silent film

The Hearts of Age, made by Welles as a student in 1934.

Television programs

Featuring appearances by Welles and Mercury Theatre producer John Houseman.

Actor Alland

On his collaborations with Welles.

Mercury Theatre radio plays

Production stills

Newsreel footage

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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