What did Jean Gabin think of one of the greatest films of all time? Considered a timeless classic in the history of cinema and rated 4.3 out of 5 by AlloCiné viewers, Citizen Kane was released in theaters in May 1941 in the United States and only on July 3, 1946 in France due to World War II.
Gabin discovered Citizen Kane much later, and what little he says about him speaks volumes.
“Hey, this movie…”
In the work, we find traces of his criticism, or rather his laconic opinion Audiard by Audiard Posted by Rene Chateau. Screenwriter and dialogue author with Gabin on 20 films, Michel Audiard writes:
“Gabin never went to the cinema or the theater. He discovered things, movies, on television. One day he saw Citizen Kane and said to me: “Hey, you’ve got to feel that this movie came out…”
Even if Audiard did not provide us with additional context, we can conclude that he did not particularly appreciate Orson Welles’s feature film, although it is considered one of the most absolute masterpieces of cinematography, especially since it is a total film that combines all the stylistic innovations of its time.
But if Gabin is clearly bored with Citizen Kane, it’s probably because the film, which centers on an ambitious businessman who became an authoritarian and megalomaniac billionaire, is the polar opposite of the roles played by the actor, who at the beginning of his career we meet working-class characters, and then bourgeois, but always principled and post-war career. We were probably a long way from Charles Foster Kane and his dreams of omnipotence.
Based on his brief opinion on the film, we can safely predict that Jean Gabin would not be able to make a career as a film critic!
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.