Introduction
Orson Welles’ *Citizen Kane * (1941) stands as a landmark in cinematic history, often cited as a masterpiece of American film. This screening report aims to analyse the film’s central themes and innovative techniques, drawing on insights from *Film Art: An Introduction* (5th Edition) by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson. Rather than separating plot, themes, and technical elements, this essay integrates them to explore how Welles’ stylistic choices illuminate the psychological complexity of Charles Foster Kane and broader themes of power, loss, and the elusiveness of truth. Through a focus on narrative structure, cinematography, and mise-en-scène, this analysis seeks to demonstrate the film’s profound impact on cinema as an art form.
Narrative Innovation and the Quest for Truth
One of the most striking aspects of *Citizen Kane * is its non-linear narrative structure, which mirrors the central theme of truth as fragmented and unattainable. The film begins with Kane’s death and the enigmatic utterance of “Rosebud,” setting off a journalistic investigation into his life through multiple perspectives. As Bordwell and Thompson note, such a structure challenges conventional storytelling by prioritising subjective accounts over objective reality (Bordwell and Thompson, 1997). This technique not only reflects the theme of ambiguity—nobody truly knows Kane—but also engages the spectator in piecing together the puzzle. For instance, the contrasting recollections of Kane’s associates, from his friend Jedediah Leland to his business manager Mr. Bernstein, reveal how personal bias shapes memory. Indeed, Welles uses this fragmented narrative to underscore the impossibility of a singular truth, a concept that remains relevant in discussions of identity and legacy.
Cinematographic Depth and Psychological Isolation
Welles’ collaboration with cinematographer Gregg Toland further amplifies the film’s thematic depth through pioneering use of deep focus. As outlined in *Film Art: An Introduction*, deep focus allows multiple planes of action to remain in sharp detail, creating a dynamic visual field (Bordwell and Thompson, 1997). This is vividly apparent in scenes depicting Kane’s childhood, such as the moment when his parents decide to send him away while young Charles plays outside in the snow. Here, the foreground captures the cold transaction of his future, while the background shows Kane’s innocence, unaware of his impending loss. This visual layering, arguably, mirrors the theme of emotional isolation; Kane is physically present yet psychologically distant, a motif that recurs as his empire grows. Furthermore, the use of low-angle shots to depict Kane in moments of power—such as his political speeches—contrasts with the diminishing perspectives of his later years, visually charting his rise and fall. Such techniques place the spectator within Kane’s fractured psyche, enhancing our understanding of his loneliness.
Mise-en-Scène and the Illusion of Power
The meticulous mise-en-scène in * Citizen Kane * serves as another vehicle for exploring themes of power and its hollowness. Bordwell and Thompson highlight how props and settings can encode character traits and thematic undercurrents (Bordwell and Thompson, 1997). Xanadu, Kane’s sprawling estate, exemplifies this: its vast, empty halls and looming statues convey not triumph but desolation. In a particularly telling sequence, Kane’s second wife, Susan Alexander, is dwarfed by the cavernous fireplace in Xanadu, her discontent palpable amidst opulence. This visual contrast between grandeur and personal misery underlines the film’s critique of material success as a substitute for genuine connection. Additionally, the recurring motif of mirrors—often framing Kane in fragmented reflections—reinforces the idea of a shattered self, a man whose public image belies inner turmoil. Through such elements, Welles crafts a world where power is an illusion, a theme that resonates with broader societal critiques of ambition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, * Citizen Kane * remains a seminal work due to its seamless integration of narrative innovation, cinematographic techniques, and mise-en-scène to explore complex themes of truth, isolation, and the emptiness of power. Drawing on the analytical framework provided by Bordwell and Thompson, this report has illuminated how Welles’ technical mastery enhances the spectator’s engagement with Charles Foster Kane’s enigmatic life. From the fragmented narrative structure to the evocative deep focus and symbolic settings, each element underscores the film’s central ideas in a cohesive manner. Ultimately, * Citizen Kane * not only redefined cinematic storytelling but also continues to challenge viewers to question the nature of success and selfhood, securing its relevance in film studies and beyond.
References
- Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K. (1997) Film Art: An Introduction. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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