√ Critically Analysing Citizen Kane | Orson Welles

Summary

This video offers a detailed analysis of Orson Welles' groundbreaking film, *Citizen Kane*. It examines key themes and innovative techniques, such as deep focus, flashbacks, and unique camera angles, which help shape the film's narrative. The video explores the film’s use of symbolism, characterization, and power dynamics, highlighting Kane’s internal conflicts and the contrast between his public persona and private struggles. It also emphasizes the significance of stage actors in enhancing the depth of performance, contributing to the film's lasting impact on cinematic techniques.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The film 'Citizen Kane' by Orson Welles is renowned for its pioneering techniques and significant influence on cinematic storytelling.
• 📽️ 'Citizen Kane' employs a non-linear narrative style, utilizing flashbacks and testimonials to explore the life of the main character, Charles Foster Kane.
• 🔎 The film's deep focus technique allows both foreground and background to be in focus simultaneously, enhancing spatial depth and character isolation.
• 📈 Welles' innovative filming technique for crowd scenes involved repeating a small group of people to create the illusion of a large crowd.
• 👥 The characters in 'Citizen Kane' are portrayed by stage actors, which contributes to the film's dynamic and emotionally resonant performances.
• 🏡 The film uses the setting of Xanadu to symbolize Kane's character, reflecting his grand yet unfulfilled ambitions and the emptiness of his life.
• 🖼️ Symbolism, such as the snow globe and the sled, are used to represent Kane's desire for control and his ultimate inability to capture his lost childhood.
• 🎭 The film's use of high and low camera angles, as well as unique framing, serves to emphasize themes of power and the dynamics between characters.
• 🔙 Flashbacks are central to the narrative structure, revealing different facets of Kane's life and providing a contrast between his younger and older years.
• 🤔 The film invites viewers to consider the nature of power, success, and the American Dream, as well as the personal cost of ambition.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the analysis on 'Citizen Kane'?

The analysis focuses on breaking down the film into its components, examining its pioneering film techniques, narrative structure, themes, and characterization to form a thoughtful response.

Why is 'Citizen Kane' considered a pioneering film in cinematic history?

'Citizen Kane' is pioneering because it introduced several new film techniques, such as deep focus and innovative camera angles, which were not commonly used in cinema at the time. These techniques greatly influenced future filmmaking.

What is deep focus, and why was it important in 'Citizen Kane'?

Deep focus is a technique where both the foreground and background are in focus simultaneously. In 'Citizen Kane', it was used to emphasize space, power dynamics, and isolation, providing visual depth and enhancing the story's themes.

How does the film use high and low camera shots to convey power?

High and low shots are frequently used in 'Citizen Kane' to emphasize power dynamics, especially Kane's dominance and the power struggles between characters. These angles visually reinforce themes of control and authority.

What role do flashbacks play in 'Citizen Kane'?

Flashbacks are central to the film's non-linear narrative structure. They help contrast Kane's younger and older selves, providing multiple perspectives on his life and revealing layers of his character through the eyes of different narrators.

How do the stage actors in 'Citizen Kane' contribute to the film's dynamic performances?

The stage actors, being familiar with projection and presence, add emotional depth and dynamic performance styles to the film. Their previous rapport as part of the Mercury Theatre Company helped them build natural relationships on-screen.

What symbolic significance does the snow globe hold in 'Citizen Kane'?

The snow globe symbolizes Kane's lost childhood and his inability to control the world around him. Its shattering reflects Kane's emotional collapse and the idea that despite his power, he remains unfulfilled and unhappy.

How is the American Dream critiqued through the depiction of Xanadu?

Xanadu, Kane's opulent yet unfinished mansion, symbolizes the emptiness of the American Dream. Despite its grandeur, it is hollow and uninhabitable, reflecting Kane's desire for more, yet his inability to find personal satisfaction or fulfillment.

What does the mirror scene signify about Kane's inner conflict?

The mirror scene represents Kane's introspection and self-reflection, showing his dissatisfaction with his public persona. Although he has power and wealth, his reflection reveals a sad, unfulfilled man who remains haunted by his lost childhood.

Why is it important to analyze 'Citizen Kane' beyond its simplicity?

'Citizen Kane' may seem simple on the surface, but it requires deep analysis to fully appreciate its complex techniques and thematic elements. Going into depth about its use of film techniques, symbolism, and narrative structure is crucial to understanding its lasting impact on cinema.