Citizen Kane

Definition

Citizen Kane is a landmark 1941 film directed by Orson Welles that is often regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. It tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a newspaper magnate, exploring themes of ambition, power, and the elusiveness of truth through innovative storytelling and groundbreaking cinematography. The film's complex narrative structure and visual style have influenced countless filmmakers and changed the way films are made and viewed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Citizen Kane was Orson Welles' first feature film, which he co-wrote, produced, directed, and starred in at just 25 years old.
2. The film is famous for its innovative use of deep focus cinematography, allowing viewers to see multiple planes of action simultaneously.
3. Its non-linear narrative structure, told through flashbacks from various characters' perspectives, redefined traditional storytelling in cinema.
4. Citizen Kane's central character, Charles Foster Kane, is loosely based on real-life media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, leading to significant controversy at its release.
5. The film was initially met with mixed reviews but has since received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Review Questions

• How does Citizen Kane utilize nonlinear narrative to enhance the storytelling experience?
  • Citizen Kane employs a nonlinear narrative by presenting the life of Charles Foster Kane through flashbacks as told by different characters who knew him. This technique allows viewers to piece together Kane's complex personality and the impact of his choices on his life. By revealing various perspectives, the film challenges audiences to question the reliability of memory and truth, making it a more engaging and thought-provoking experience.
• Discuss the role of deep focus in Citizen Kane and how it contributes to the film’s thematic depth.
  • Deep focus in Citizen Kane allows multiple elements within a scene to be in sharp focus simultaneously, which enhances visual storytelling by enabling the audience to observe interactions between characters in different spatial contexts. This technique reflects the complexity of Kane's character and his relationships throughout the film. For example, scenes where Kane is isolated amidst parties illustrate his emotional detachment and loneliness, emphasizing the film’s themes of ambition versus personal connection.
• Evaluate how Citizen Kane has influenced modern filmmaking techniques and narratives in contemporary cinema.
  • Citizen Kane has had a profound impact on modern filmmaking techniques, particularly in its innovative approach to narrative structure and visual composition. Its use of nonlinear storytelling has inspired filmmakers to experiment with time and perspective in their narratives. Moreover, techniques like deep focus have become standard practice in many films today. By pushing boundaries in these areas, Citizen Kane set a precedent for future directors to explore more complex themes and sophisticated cinematic language, influencing the evolution of film as an art form.

Related terms

Nonlinear Narrative: A storytelling technique that presents events out of chronological order, allowing for a more complex and layered understanding of the plot.

Deep Focus:

A cinematographic technique that keeps both foreground and background in sharp focus, allowing for greater depth in visual storytelling.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, which adds layers of meaning to a film's narrative and visual elements.