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If not "Citizen Kane", what do YOU think is the greatest film ever?

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If not "Citizen Kane", what do YOU think is the greatest film ever?

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Old 10-13-04 | 01:34 PM
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If not "Citizen Kane", what do YOU think is the greatest film ever?

AFI has "Citizen Kane as the greatest film in the history of cinema. I myself just saw it for the first time and thought it was very entertaining, but didn't captivate me enough to think it was the greatest I had ever seen.

I would be hard pressed to pick a #1 right now, but one that might fit is "Casablanca". I know it is #2 according to AFI. But this movie was actually my first foray into classic cinema, B & W, and old time movies in general and I really, really enjoyed it. I see so many influences in today's movies that are due to "Casablanca" (the rounding of the usual suspects, the torn between love triangle, the struggles of romance during conflict, the dashing hero) and "Citizen Kane" (the delving into a person's past to uncover clues slowly through the people who knew them best, the think you know, but don't really know plot device)that I can truly see why they are ranked so high and are so dear to so many's hearts.

Of course, on other lists..."The Godfather" and "The Shawshank Redemption" rank up there and both are incredible movies, ones that I love and could argue to take the crown.

So, I was wondering what you all thought was the greatest film in the history of cinema...bear in mind this is not according to some list or "by popular demand", but according strictly to YOU!!!
Old 10-13-04 | 01:41 PM
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If not Citizen Kane? According strictly to me?

Big Trouble in Little China

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Old 10-13-04 | 01:41 PM
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I haven't seen all the films considered to be "classic" cinema and of course my opinion is totally subjective based on my personal taste, but I'd vote for SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Great all around movie. Top notch story, acting, directing, etc... For me it doesn't get any better than this.
Old 10-13-04 | 01:51 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 01:56 PM
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If I was honest, I'd pick Dawn of the Dead (1978), a near flawless masterpiece. But I don't want to look like some splatter movie geek, so I'll bestow the honour upon Godfather Part II.
Old 10-13-04 | 01:56 PM
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Passion of Joan of Arc.
Old 10-13-04 | 02:01 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 02:11 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 02:12 PM
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American Beauty for me.
Old 10-13-04 | 02:14 PM
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Originally posted by chente
Passion of Joan of Arc.
This is my pick as well.

Last edited by Groucho; 10-13-04 at 02:18 PM.
Old 10-13-04 | 02:15 PM
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Lawrence of Arabia
Old 10-13-04 | 02:53 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 02:54 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 02:58 PM
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screw "greatness", my favorite movie is The 'burbs
Old 10-13-04 | 03:00 PM
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Seven Samurai. Look at all the American clones it has spawned

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Old 10-13-04 | 03:06 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 03:14 PM
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Old 10-13-04 | 03:44 PM
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North By Northwest would be my choice, followed closely by Arsenic and Old Lace.
Old 10-13-04 | 03:48 PM
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Re: If not "Citizen Kane", what do YOU think is the greatest film ever?

Originally posted by scott1598
AFI has "Citizen Kane as the greatest film in the history of cinema. I myself just saw it for the first time and thought it was very entertaining, but didn't captivate me enough to think it was the greatest I had ever seen.
You are missing why it is considered numero uno. It isn't because it is an entertaining flick, or great character piece. It was a revolutionary film regarding camera work, techniques, the way movies are filmed and the like. Much like Star Wars will be remembered for the amazing effects work that it pioneered. And Toy Story for setting the stage for CGI films. Kane is revered for technique.

All that being said, as for personal fave, Braveheart. Great story, direction, acting, cinematography, costume design, action sequences, etc. Total package.
Old 10-13-04 | 03:50 PM
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Brighton Rock for me. If that's too lowbrow, my second choice is Andrei Rublev.
Old 10-13-04 | 04:08 PM
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Godfather
Old 10-13-04 | 04:10 PM
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Spartacus (1960)
Old 10-13-04 | 04:18 PM
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I'll pick 2001: A Space Odyssey.

And I'd like to disagree with the comment that Citizen Kane isn't a great character piece. The entire film is about the intricacies of Kane, from youth to twilight.
Old 10-13-04 | 05:09 PM
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Re: Re: If not "Citizen Kane", what do YOU think is the greatest film ever?

Originally posted by Michael Corvin
You are missing why it is considered numero uno. It isn't because it is an entertaining flick, or great character piece. It was a revolutionary film regarding camera work, techniques, the way movies are filmed and the like. Much like Star Wars will be remembered for the amazing effects work that it pioneered. And Toy Story for setting the stage for CGI films. Kane is revered for technique.

All that being said, as for personal fave, Braveheart. Great story, direction, acting, cinematography, costume design, action sequences, etc. Total package.
no, no...i know it was heralded as the precursor to how movies should be made from now on and i humbly respect it for that and it truly was remarkable for being so innovative. welles was def ahead of his time, but what holds me is the movie itself and it just didn't hold me to make it #1 for me..just me, though.
Old 10-13-04 | 05:15 PM
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Casablanca.

I'm not much of a fan of older films...but this one was so well done.


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