Citizen Kane: Crash Course Film Criticism #1

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course Film, Michael Aranda explores the enduring significance of Orson Welles' *Citizen Kane*. He examines the film's ambitious production, from Welles' unprecedented creative control to groundbreaking technical innovations like deep focus cinematography and practical effects. The episode delves into the narrative of Charles Foster Kane, highlighting themes of lost childhood, power, and human flaws, while connecting the story to historical influences such as William Randolph Hearst. Rather than ranking it as the 'greatest film ever,' Aranda emphasizes understanding why the film resonates historically, technically, and narratively, offering insights into the art and impact of filmmaking.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Citizen Kane is often called one of the greatest films ever made, but film criticism is more about understanding and analyzing than ranking.
• 🧑‍🎨 Orson Welles was only 23 when he gained creative control of Citizen Kane, bringing innovation and ambition to the project.
• 🎭 Many of Welles' Mercury Theatre colleagues joined him in Hollywood, contributing strong acting and creative talent.
• 📽️ Cinematographer Gregg Toland pioneered deep focus lenses, keeping entire scenes in focus and allowing more dynamic storytelling.
• 📝 Herman J. Mankiewicz co-wrote the film, blending his journalism experience with Hollywood storytelling.
• 🏰 Citizen Kane tells the story of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane, exploring themes like lost childhood, human flaws, and the impact of wealth and power.
• 📰 The film draws inspiration from real-life figures like William Randolph Hearst, which caused controversy and affected its initial release.
• 🎥 Innovative filmmaking techniques, including low-angle shots, hidden ceilings, matte paintings, and optical printers, created a visually immersive experience.
• 🧩 Citizen Kane’s narrative is mostly straightforward, relying on flashbacks and interviews to build its story rather than plot twists.
• 💡 The film’s greatness comes from a combination of technical innovation, compelling storytelling, and historical impact, not necessarily profound life lessons.
• 📚 Understanding why films like Citizen Kane resonate helps us appreciate the art and craft of filmmaking across history.
• 🪐 Crash Course Film emphasizes critical thinking about movies, looking at both their technical merits and cultural significance.

Q & A

What makes Citizen Kane widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time?

Citizen Kane is considered one of the greatest films due to its technical innovations, its complex narrative structure, and its exploration of themes like the loss of childhood, power, and memory. The film introduced groundbreaking cinematic techniques that have influenced filmmaking ever since.

How did Orson Welles' background in theater influence Citizen Kane?

Orson Welles' background in theater helped shape his approach to Citizen Kane. His understanding of stage direction, blocking, and acting allowed him to experiment with innovative techniques such as deep focus cinematography and dynamic camera movements, which gave the film its distinctive visual style.

What role did Gregg Toland play in Citizen Kane's success?

Gregg Toland, the cinematographer, was instrumental in Citizen Kane's success. He pioneered the use of deep focus, where everything in a scene remains in sharp focus. This technique allowed for more dynamic storytelling, where the viewer's attention is guided by dialogue or movement, rather than just focusing on the foreground.

What is the significance of the word 'Rosebud' in Citizen Kane?

The word 'Rosebud' in Citizen Kane serves as a symbol of Kane's lost childhood. It refers to a sled he had as a child, which represents the innocence and simplicity of his early life before he was thrust into wealth and power. Its revelation at the end of the film underscores the themes of nostalgia and the unattainable past.

Why did Citizen Kane struggle commercially at first despite positive critical reviews?

Citizen Kane's commercial struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its controversial parallels to the real-life media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who used his media power to campaign against the film. Additionally, the film’s unconventional narrative and structure made it difficult for mainstream audiences to appreciate initially.

How did Citizen Kane's visual effects contribute to its immersive storytelling?

Citizen Kane's visual effects, such as blending matte paintings with physical sets and using optical printers, helped create immersive environments despite limited resources. These effects allowed for intricate transitions, like the fading from the opera stage to the rafters, that deepened the viewer's engagement without relying on obvious digital tricks.

In what ways did the film's cinematography reflect Kane's loss of control?

The cinematography in Citizen Kane often uses perspective and camera angles to reflect Kane's diminishing power. For instance, scenes where Kane is dwarfed by large architectural elements, like windows or fireplaces, visually symbolize his shrinking control over his life and business.

What was the impact of Citizen Kane's flashback structure on its storytelling?

The flashback structure in Citizen Kane allowed for a nonlinear exploration of Kane's life, making the film feel more like a puzzle being pieced together. This technique contributed to the film's realism, as it mimicked how people often understand and reconstruct their memories of the past.

How did Citizen Kane’s exploration of power and wealth make it socially and historically relevant?

Citizen Kane's exploration of power and wealth is socially and historically relevant because it critiques the American dream and the corrupting influence of unchecked wealth. The film mirrors the rise of media moguls like William Randolph Hearst, making it a reflection on the dynamics between wealth, power, and personal fulfillment.

Why is the idea of ranking films or naming the 'best film of all time' considered silly in the context of film criticism?

Film criticism is more about understanding the deeper elements of storytelling, history, and technique than about assigning rankings. The idea of the 'best film of all time' is reductive because it oversimplifies the nuanced ways that films resonate with audiences and their impact on the world. The focus should be on how and why films work, not just whether they are the best.