Film Analysis: The Magnificent Ambersons
The Magnificent Ambersons
1. Using pp. 148-152 summarize the legacy and importance of Orson Welles as a director and auteur. Welles legacy was well established before his work in films primarily he gained a lot of praise for his radio broadcast of the War of the Worlds. Besides this Welle’s filmography is probably what he is most well known for with such films as Touch of Evil, The Magnificent Amerbsons, and of course Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane to this date is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made however the film itself and Welles only received a best screenplay award. Welle’s was essentially a director ahead of his time who utilized the art of mise en scene to add further meaning to the story and characters within his films. …show more content…
What themes are explored in this slow demise of the Amberson family?
Some of the main themes I noticed in this were mostly issues of Man vs. Man or Man vs. Self. The theme of Man Vs. Man this was very evident through the character of George and his rivalry against Eugene for the love of his mother. The character of George himself is one of the most self-destructive characters in this film so as a result the theme of Man Vs. Self does come up. George and his failure to plan ahead for the unexpected and to rely on himself more than others eventually lead to his unfortunate demise.
3. How do camera shots or the camera angles reflect this demise? Any scene that stands out?
One scene that specifically stands out for me personally is the scene in which George goes to confront his Uncle Jack regarding his mother and Eugene. This scene while very short is very well shot and says so much about the characters of George and Jack. George in this scene is speaking to Jack however based on how it is shot you see Jack as a reflection behind George. This moment is there to emphasize the likeness of these two characters. George and Jack are basically the same character however over time Jack has grown wiser and is not such an extremist like George is. Jack in a way is almost like George’s angel on his shoulder essentially and this plays with the whole theme of Man Vs.
1. Using pp. 148-152 summarize the legacy and importance of Orson Welles as a director and auteur. Welles legacy was well established before his work in films primarily he gained a lot of praise for his radio broadcast of the War of the Worlds. Besides this Welle’s filmography is probably what he is most well known for with such films as Touch of Evil, The Magnificent Amerbsons, and of course Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane to this date is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made however the film itself and Welles only received a best screenplay award. Welle’s was essentially a director ahead of his time who utilized the art of mise en scene to add further meaning to the story and characters within his films. …show more content…
What themes are explored in this slow demise of the Amberson family?
Some of the main themes I noticed in this were mostly issues of Man vs. Man or Man vs. Self. The theme of Man Vs. Man this was very evident through the character of George and his rivalry against Eugene for the love of his mother. The character of George himself is one of the most self-destructive characters in this film so as a result the theme of Man Vs. Self does come up. George and his failure to plan ahead for the unexpected and to rely on himself more than others eventually lead to his unfortunate demise.
3. How do camera shots or the camera angles reflect this demise? Any scene that stands out?
One scene that specifically stands out for me personally is the scene in which George goes to confront his Uncle Jack regarding his mother and Eugene. This scene while very short is very well shot and says so much about the characters of George and Jack. George in this scene is speaking to Jack however based on how it is shot you see Jack as a reflection behind George. This moment is there to emphasize the likeness of these two characters. George and Jack are basically the same character however over time Jack has grown wiser and is not such an extremist like George is. Jack in a way is almost like George’s angel on his shoulder essentially and this plays with the whole theme of Man Vs.