Citizen Blame... A commentary on Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane is a controversial movie depicting the life of the infamous "yellow journalist" during the Spanish American War, William Randolph Hearst. The film recreates a troubled childhood and a rapid rise to success, intertwining troubled romances, as a reporter tries to unravel the mystery of Rosebud and unlock Kane's mysterious life.
Director, Orson Welles, also takes a starring role in the film alongside Joseph Cotton as Jedediah Leland, Dorothy Comingore as Susan Alexander Kane, Ruth Warrick as Emily Monroe Norton Kane, and Ray Collins as James W. Gettys. This cast took to heart the historical importance of the film, each leaving their own memorable stamp. Citizen Kane won an Oscar for best original screenplay and was nominated for eight more, including best actor.
The film begins with the death of Kane (Welles) as he utters his last word, 'Rosebud.' A reporter (Collins) takes great interest in finding out who or what Rosebud was and why he would choose that as his last word. As he interviews several people close to Kane, the audience has a hard time making up its mind as to whether they can become attached to this man or not. He is depicted in some scenes as being a selfish, ego maniac, power hungry newspaper tycoon and in others as a lost, lovesick man that life hasn't treated well. After many interviews with people such as his best friend, Jedediah (Cotton) and his second wife (Warrick) the reporter is even more confused than before, but still continues his renegade to discover the life of a business tycoon.
A very riveting story, Citizen Kane keeps the audience on the edges of its seat while bringing out several emotions. The film keeps us even more engrossed when we are unable to decide how we feel about Kane. Even once the movie ends the members find themselves still trying to decide. He is not only portrayed as a lucrative business man, but a man with dreams, ambitions, and a heart. He is shown through the good times and the bad, making him even more real to the audience. In addition, the cinematography is excellent, the lighting is perfect for the mood and feel of every scene, making it easy for the audience to completely immerse itself in the story, and the shots that are taken, such as a ceiling shot, are the first of their kind.
I highly recommend this film. It is revelutionary, and although it cost two men their careers, it takes film to a new level.