Why 'Citizen Kane' Remains a Masterpiece Despite Challenges

There are typically two types of lists that rank films or other works of art as 'greatest.' The first is personal, subjective lists like those created by figures such as Harold Bloom and his 'Western Canon,' which are valuable mainly for the critical insights they provide. Among these, Anthony Burgess's 99 Novels remains a notable example. The second type of list reflects the collective wisdom of many individuals, such as the American Film Institute (AFI) lists and the Sight and Sound polls, which have their own merits and limitations.

The Impact of Subjective Evaluations

The AFI lists, for instance, take into account popularity, a factor I consider irrelevant. While popularity alone does not equate to merit, the top 10 from the most recent AFI list includes:
- Citizen Kane
- The Godfather
- Casablanca
- Raging Bull
- Singin' In The Rain
- Gone With the Wind
- Lawrence of Arabia
- Schindler’s List
- Vertigo
- The Wizard of Oz

While these films are undoubtedly significant, they aren't without controversy. 'Gone With the Wind,' 'Schindler’s List,' and 'The Wizard of Oz' may not merit their positions in the top tier according to some critics. 'Raging Bull' is also overvalued by others, suggesting a degree of subjectivity in these lists.

Collective Judgements and the Sight and Sound Poll

The Sight and Sound poll, a more diverse and methodically structured list, does not include popularity as a criterion. Instead, it polls 842 critics and film scholars, each asked to provide a list of the 10 best films of all time. In the 2012 list, some American films have been added for completeness, creating a clearer picture:

Vertigo (1958) Citizen Kane (1941) Tokyo Story (1953) The Rules of the Game (1939) Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) The Searchers (1956) Man with a Movie Camera (1929) The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) Battleship Potemkin (1925) La_àlantante (1934) Breathless (1960) Apocalypse Now (1979) Late Spring (1949) Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) Seven Samurai (1954) Persona (1966) Mirror (1975) Singin' in the Rain (1952) Lavventura (1960) Le Mépris (1963) The Godfather (1972) Ordet (1955) In the Mood for Love (2000) Rashomon (1950) Andrei Rublev (1966) Mulholland Dr. (2001) Stalker (1979) Shoah (1985) The Godfather Part II (1974, 1956)

Notable similarities include 'Vertigo,' 'Citizen Kane,' 'The Godfather,' and 'Singin' in the Rain.' 'Citizen Kane' often appears at the top in various lists, and its importance does not solely lie in its technical innovations, although these are significant. The film’s complexity and narrative techniques, like the use of the Rashomon effect 10 years ahead of its time, are equally crucial. Additionally, 'Citizen Kane' is energetic and entertaining, offering a rich reward for viewers committed to watching it.

The Enduring Significance of 'Citizen Kane'

'Citizen Kane' was at the top of the Sight and Sound list for 50 years until 'Vertigo' surpassed it. Despite changes in taste and the age of the film, 'Citizen Kane' remains a cornerstone in cinema history. While some may dislike the film, any serious film buff or critic must acknowledge its greatness. My personal top list includes 'Citizen Kane,' 'Vertigo,' '2001: A Space Odyssey,' 'The Godfather' films, 'Das Testament von Dr. Mabuse,' 'All About Eve,' 'Last Year at Marienbad,' 'Madame de…,' 'The Makioka Sisters,' 'North by Northwest,' and the 'Kill Bill' films.

In conclusion, 'Citizen Kane' remains a masterpiece, a film that stands the test of time. Its enduring significance and critical acclaim make it a fitting candidate for the title of the ‘Best Film Ever Made.’