Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, telling the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane, a newspaper tycoon whose final word—“Rosebud”—drives an investigation into his life. The film revolutionized cinematography and storytelling with its deep-focus shots, nonlinear narrative, and innovative camera techniques.
Why is Citizen Kane a Classic?
Citizen Kane redefined filmmaking with its groundbreaking use of deep focus, low-angle shots, and non-linear storytelling. The film’s exploration of power, loneliness, and the American Dream remains as relevant today as it was in 1941. Welles’ use of cinematography and narrative structure set new standards for visual storytelling.
Discussion Questions
- Film Technique: Citizen Kane is famous for its deep-focus cinematography. How does this technique shape the way we view Kane’s world and his relationships?
- Genre/Cultural Context: The film critiques the rise of media moguls and the corrupting nature of power. How do these themes relate to today’s world of journalism and media influence?
- Classic Status: The mystery of “Rosebud” has fascinated audiences for decades. What do you think it represents, and why is it a powerful storytelling device?
- Personal Response: Did you enjoy Citizen Kane? Why/Whynot?
1. The focus cinematography of Citizen Kane keeps several planes of the image sharp and clear at the same time. This increases the audience's involvement with Kane's story through staging scenes with dramatic depth that often symbolize the balance of power and emotions. In the iconic childhood scene, for instance, young Kane is visible playing outside through a window as his parents arrange his future indoors. Deep focus shows Kane's alienation from close relationships as material wealth and ambition dominate his life.
ReplyDelete2. Citizen Kane criticizes the power of media, a theme that is very much applicable today. The film's depiction of Charles Foster Kane's warping of of the public and quest for power resonates with the issues of today's media corporations, like billionaires owning news organizations. Against the backdrop of the current digital media landscape, with social media sites and corporate news agencies creating political influence, the film's warnings about the corrupting influence of media power remain strikingly accurate.
3. The meaning of "Rosebud" has been a mystery to audiences for generations as it has represented mainly the loss of innocence. It was the last word of Kane a true irony to his empire because even though in spite of everything he owned and controlled he really just wanted what he could never have, his happy childhood. This narrative technique is effective in that it humanizes Kane, turning him from a cold businessman into a tragic character. It also leaves room for audience interpretation, which makes the film resonate on a very personal level.
Forgot the last part. wo hen xi huan citizen kane. Mainly because I feel it is a extremely relevant story to todays times in terms of media outlets being corrupted by the opinions of people in power. There can never be trust for the news anymore as it has most likely been tampered with by a corporate tycoon with an opinion to share.
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