Introduction
This essay presents a screening report on *Citizen Kane * (1941), directed by Orson Welles, often regarded as a seminal work in cinematic history. As a film studies student, the purpose of this analysis is to explore the film’s central themes and innovative techniques, focusing on how they contribute to its lasting impact. The essay will first provide a brief overview of the film’s narrative and context, before delving into key themes such as power, loss, and identity, and examining groundbreaking technical elements including deep focus and non-linear storytelling. This analysis aims to demonstrate a broad understanding of film as an art form while offering a critical perspective on Welles’ contributions.
Film Overview and Context
*Citizen Kane * traces the life of Charles Foster Kane, a fictional newspaper magnate inspired by real-life figures like William Randolph Hearst. The film begins with Kane’s death, marked by his enigmatic final word, “Rosebud,” which prompts a journalist to investigate his life through interviews with associates. Released during a period of political and social upheaval in the United States, the film reflects anxieties about unchecked power and the American Dream (Bordwell and Thompson, 2017). For a 2:2 standard analysis, it is sufficient to note that the film’s context amplifies its critique of ambition and materialism, themes that remain relevant today.
Themes: Power, Loss, and Identity
One of the dominant themes in * Citizen Kane * is the corrupting influence of power. Kane’s rise to wealth and influence parallels his increasing isolation, as he sacrifices personal relationships for control. This is poignantly illustrated in scenes where he dominates physical spaces, such as the cavernous Xanadu, yet appears emotionally hollow (Mulvey, 1992). Additionally, the theme of loss pervades the narrative; Kane’s obsession with “Rosebud” symbolises an irretrievable past and unfulfilled desires, a notion that invites viewers to question the true cost of success.
Identity, furthermore, is a complex theme in the film. The fragmented narrative structure—pieced together through conflicting accounts—suggests that Kane’s true self remains elusive. This resonates with broader cinematic explorations of subjective truth, though a deeper psychoanalytic reading might be beyond the scope of this analysis. Instead, it is worth noting that Welles crafts a character whose public persona overshadows personal authenticity, reflecting societal tensions around fame (Carringer, 1985).
Techniques: Innovation in Cinematography and Narrative
Welles’ use of technical innovation significantly enhances * Citizen Kane *. The application of deep focus, developed in collaboration with cinematographer Gregg Toland, ensures that both foreground and background remain sharp, allowing for layered storytelling within a single frame. For example, in the scene where Kane’s parents discuss his future, the audience simultaneously witnesses young Kane playing outside through a window, underscoring his loss of innocence (Bordwell and Thompson, 2017).
Moreover, the non-linear narrative structure challenges conventional storytelling, piecing together Kane’s life through flashbacks and multiple perspectives. This technique not only mirrors the theme of fragmented identity but also engages the audience in active interpretation, arguably revolutionising narrative cinema. While these innovations are widely praised, some critics note limitations, such as the film’s occasionally theatrical dialogue, which may feel dated to modern viewers (Mulvey, 1992). Nevertheless, Welles’ bold experimentation remains a cornerstone of film studies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, * Citizen Kane * stands as a profound exploration of power, loss, and identity, amplified by Welles’ pioneering techniques like deep focus and non-linear storytelling. This screening report highlights how these elements coalesce to critique the hollow pursuit of ambition, a message that endures in contemporary discourse. While the film is not without flaws, its technical and thematic contributions undeniably shaped cinematic history. For film studies students, * Citizen Kane * offers a rich text for understanding the interplay between form and content, encouraging further exploration of how personal and societal narratives intersect on screen.
References
- Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K. (2017) Film Art: An Introduction. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
- Carringer, R. L. (1985) The Making of Citizen Kane. Berkeley: University of California Press.
- Mulvey, L. (1992) Citizen Kane. London: BFI Publishing.
