Which is the better film?
They are both fantastic films. Citizen Kane (1941) beats Casablanca (1942) in most top 100 lists such AFI’s Top 100. Not by much though. Both films are almost always top 10 if not top 5.
If we look at it from a technical point of view Citizen Kane wins because the non-linear structure, deep focus and the “show not tell” ending. And if we use our emotions Casablanca is the better film. Thanks to the ending. Casablanca’s ending just hits harder. It’s the perfect ending. Citizen Kane leaves me depressed and angry while Casablanca leaves me just right.
Many argue that Citizen Kane might be the smarter film, but Casablanca is no dummy either. Watch it again and notice the shadowy images. Look at the shadows of prison bars, and listen to the dialogue, political propaganda. You might not like but it’s there.
Winner: Casablanca
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