Citizen Kane is widely considered the greatest movie of all time, particularly based on its historic dominance in influential critics' polls.
The Enduring Legacy of Citizen Kane
For decades, Orson Welles's 1941 masterpiece, Citizen Kane, held the top spot in prestigious international surveys, solidifying its reputation as a benchmark in cinematic achievement. Its consistent ranking as number one in five consecutive polls over 40 years underscores its profound and lasting impact on film critics and historians.
Dominance in Critics' Polls
The film's unparalleled critical acclaim is best exemplified by its performance in the renowned Sight & Sound critics' poll. This survey, conducted once every ten years, gathers votes from leading film critics and academics worldwide to determine the greatest films ever made. Citizen Kane consistently emerged as the top choice for an extended period.
| Year | Votes for Citizen Kane |
|---|---|
| 1962 | 22 |
| 1972 | 32 |
| 1982 | 45 |
| 1992 | 43 |
| 2002 | 46 |
This table clearly illustrates the consistent support Citizen Kane received, maintaining its top position across different generations of film critics.
Acclaim from Directors
Beyond critics, Citizen Kane also garnered significant recognition from filmmakers themselves. It topped the first two directors' polls conducted alongside the main critics' survey, further cementing its status as an influential work among those who understand the craft of filmmaking most intimately.
- 1992 Directors' Poll: 30 votes
- 2002 Directors' Poll: 42 votes
Why Citizen Kane's Acclaim Endures
Citizen Kane's enduring status is attributed to its groundbreaking innovations and profound narrative. The film pioneered several cinematic techniques that were revolutionary for its time, including:
- Deep Focus Cinematography: Allowing multiple planes of action to remain in focus simultaneously, adding depth and complexity to scenes.
- Non-linear Narrative: Telling the story through flashbacks from multiple perspectives, which was uncommon for the era.
- Complex Character Study: Presenting a multi-faceted portrayal of a fictional newspaper magnate, Charles Foster Kane, whose life parallels that of real-life tycoons.
- Innovative Sound Design: Utilizing overlapping dialogue and sound effects to create a more immersive auditory experience.
These elements collectively pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, influencing countless directors and shaping the language of cinema for decades to come. While discussions about "the greatest film" can be subjective and evolve with time and new perspectives, Citizen Kane's historical and critical dominance firmly places it at the forefront of this discussion.
