Beginnings (7)—Rosebud

Click here for an introduction to the Round and Square series "Beginnings."

Beginnings—Rosebud (Citizen Kane, 1945)

[a] A rosebud

 This may be the most famous beginning in film history. I have never understood why the film is always ranked first ("beginning") in every poll of film critics. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent movie--inspiring and first with a bevy of wonderful innovations. But first? Of all time? All of the time?

[b] "Rosebud"

First, fifth, tenth, thirtieth (it couldn't be lower)—all of that is irrelevant here. There is no better (or more famous) movie beginning—ever.  If you have never seen it, and you still think that "rosebud" refers to, well, a rosebud...then you really have to watch an American classic (the whole thing, once-a-week for fifty-two weeks). But that is another story for another time.  Just watch the opening clip. I have included a few links below, for context.

The Beginning
 The key (short) clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jipboWI9uiE&feature=related

The full sequence (with annoying advertising):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZOzk7T93wE&NR=1

Classic Scenes (Ignore the poster's distractions—they total twenty seconds):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAHaRDlUrLw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAHaRDlUrLw&feature=related

[c] Rosebud

Context
http://ddk19.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/citizen-kane-1941/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Uh0fkrwIE&NR=1&feature=fvwp