So, The Great Citizen Kane Debate is over and the wonderful ladies over at True Classics have tallied the results. As follows:
First Place: The Mythical Monkey, from A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies, for his entry Citizen Kane: Best Ever?
Second Place: Rachel, from The Girl with the White Parasol, for her entry Citizen Kane Takes the Stand
Third Place: Jill, from Sittin' on a Backyard Fence, for her entry Wait a Minute, There's No Cane in Citizen Kane
Wow! I got second place, guys! That is, I mean to say, this is such an honor and...oh, just think of something really eloquent and pretend that I said it. It feels pretty special to stand up there along with two such talented and insightful bloggers as the Honorable Mr. Monkey and Jill. They both wrote excellent entries, so please, if you haven't already, go over and read them. And while you're at it, just go back to the list of entries for this debate and read them all. I was amazed by the effort and ability that went into this event and the way that everyone rose to the challenge. And for everyone who came over here to comment and debate, I just want to thank you all. You guys hold me to a high standard and I wouldn't have it any other way.
There's a reason my blog is littered with blogathons and contests and it isn't because I like getting shiny awards (well, I do like getting awards but I promise that isn't the main reason). It's because I can't resist the chance to connect with other bloggers and when the topic on hand is as rich and divided as Citizen Kane, it's a double treat. I know I walked away from this event with a whole new perspective on this film and its audience. When I watch it again (which probably won't be for at least eight months--I need my Citizen Kane hiatus), I'll be thinking about this debate and the varied but brilliant ideas that people brought to the table.
In short, thank you, fellow bloggers. Since I was watching The Great Man's Lady last night, I'll let Joel McCrea sum up the rest of my feelings.
Congratulations, Rachel! I read your post and it was quite lovely, I think you expressed your love of the film wonderfully. You really deserve it.
ReplyDeleteThat picture is made of win. And so are you! (Awkard segues are NOT made of win). Seriously, congrats! Once again, you've proved you are Rachel, Girl With the White Parasol! You're no cheap politician trying to save yourself from the consequences of her crimes! Now go send that slimeball Gettys to Sing Sing.
ReplyDeleteSing Sing, Gettys! Sing Sing!
Rianna: Thanks so much for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteLaura: And you are made of win for bringing up the Citizen Kane scene that always makes me want to laugh. Sing Sing!
Very well deserved - and your blog name is a testament to one of the things that makes this film great.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Rachel! I loved your article, you really deserved your win. :)
ReplyDeleteFlickChick and StanwyckFan: Thanks, you guys!
ReplyDeleteYou would have had my vote. Yay for second place.
ReplyDeleteVulnavia: You're too kind. You had my vote :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit late but congratulations: you definitely had my vote also.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the comparison you drew between Kane and Barry Lyndon was fascinating, particularly since both the films center around narratives. Have you read this article on Kubrick's film? The author argues that the "narrator is by far the film's most misleading commentator", so when you compare this what we know about Kane's (internal) narrators - especially the butler - then the similarities between the two films may run deeper than we think.
Should merit an article by itself :)
Rachel, congratulations once again! I loved your entry for the debate. And all three of us at True Classics want to thank you again for your enthusiasm and support for this event--you are not only a singularly fantastic blogger yourself, but a champion for others, too, and we appreciate that more than we could ever say!
ReplyDeleteShamus: Thanks so much for your comments. The more I think about it, the more I want to watch Kane and Barry Lyndon again to compare and contrast them because I think there's a lot of similarities. Both movies create this disturbance of wanting to know what's going on inside Kane/Barry's head and the impossibility of doing so. Great pivotal moments are kept at a distance from us by these multiple, biased narrators. Don't say any more, Shamus, or you'll trigger my essay button.
ReplyDeleteTrueClassics: Aw, you girls are the best. I want you to know, again, how much I appreciate your support and commentary (as well as the excellence of your blog). I hope you stay around for many, many more blog anniversaries.
Congratulations on the win. And I read and enjoyed your entry. I can't view it as a cinematic breakthrough because none of the "tricks" are new anymore. Like trying to imagine what it was like to see Psycho, thinking you were going to the theater to see a Janet Leigh movie and finding yourself shocked by something completely different. I can't do it. So I loved that you concentrated on the story because the screenplay remains top notch. Love, lust, longing, loyalty, betrayal, power ...
ReplyDelete