Its a remarkable achievement; not only did it redefine film as a mode of artistic expression but it still holds up as a thoroughly entertaining look at big city commercialism, corporate hubris and lost childhood.
Citizen Kane single handedly pioneered the fractured chronology that encompasses many filmic narratives to this day. Also Welles continued to develop the deep focus cinematography that Renoir experimented with two years earlier in
La Regle du jeu. One can also look at the films use of narrators; for me the story in
Citizen Kane is always subjective, in other words it is controlled individually by either Kane, Thompson, Thatcher or Susan. And I havent even mentioned how it changed special effects, make-up and soundtrack.
I often hear that
Citizen Kane is overrated. It is not. I dont know any other way to put it. You must not forget that Welles penned, produced, starred and directed
Citizen Kane at the age of 25; it was his debut feature.
Anyway mate, i'm sure you'll enjoy it. I have seen it many times now, including a shot by shot screening and only recently in a beautiful, restored 35mm print. It is not my favourite film but damn it, its right up there.