I found the film interestingly transitional. While it’s surprising how modern Citizen Kane feels for a film of its time, Ambersons feels simultaneously likewise ahead of its time, yet also dated. There are many interesting and dynamic cinematography decisions (mirror shots, towering stairwell shots, the children fighting in the beginning. But the pacing is plodding and feels more remiscient of a film from the 1930’s. It feels like it’s from before Kane rather than after. Considering the amount that was cut, I’m skeptical of the claims of the intended cut being superior. That said, there’s a lot of confusing cuts and time advancements – perhaps more connective tissue between scenes would have made those smoother.

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