Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane Analysis
Citizen Kane is a drama film released in 1941 by RKO Pictures. It is considered one of the most tremendous films of all time. Not only known for it’s great acting but for its techniques with photography, editing, and sound. Orson Welles, director, producer, CO-writer and lead role, is one of the geniuses’ behind the film.
Before Citizen Kane premiere in 1941, met with a great deal of controversy. The character, Charles Foster Kane, played by Welles, appeared to have similar unflattering depictions of William Randolph Heart’s life. Heart’s employee, Hedda Hopper, disliked the film, calling it, “A vicious and irresponsible attack on a good man.' Ruthless, Hearst pursuited not only to bring the film but Welles as well. Welles endured intimidation, blackmail, newspaper slander and was investigated by the FBI. Some Hollywood executives attempted to purchase Citizen Kane so the negatives could be burned. Even though Hearst’s efforts were strong, only prolonged the movie’s release after World war II. The film did not receive it’s great recognition in the states as it did in Europe until later on. In the Academy Awards, the film only won one out nine nominations.
Citizen Kane has been praised for it’s unique visual elements. Orson Welles used great techniques to make the film. The manipulation of camera angles greatly influence other movies. For one scene, they dug a hole in the floor to be able to get the exact low angle for the scene. The incredible camera movements and scattered use of facial close ups is another factor that influences other movies.   The use of shadows and deep focus shots add to the interesting plot. The make-up used for the film is extremely ahead of it’s time.
The film is told in a series of flashbacks which makes the plot much more interesting. Kane was a complicated man and using the flashback technique kept viewers on their toes. Each character had a unique story which recounts a part in Kane’s life. It leaves the... [continues]

Read full essay