Assignment Question

Focus on the cinematography or sound in Citizen Kane. Discuss one scene in which the cinematography/visual effects and/or sound effects contribute to the films’ meanings or to your understanding of character(s). Some techniques/effects are listed below; remember to discuss them in relation to a specific scene. The way in which Welles/Toland “play with visual space” in the film. The use of light and shadow. Unusual camera angles and framing. The effects of deep staging—scenes in which action is taking place close to the camera and the foreground and background are in focus.

Answer

Introduction

“Citizen Kane,” directed by Orson Welles and renowned for its innovative cinematography and sound design, stands as a timeless masterpiece in the history of cinema . In this essay, we will delve into the film’s cinematography, focusing on techniques such as the manipulation of visual space, the interplay of light and shadow, unusual camera angles and framing, and the use of deep staging. We will explore how these techniques, particularly in a specific scene, contribute to the film’s meanings and enhance our understanding of its characters.

Manipulation of Visual Space

One of the defining features of “Citizen Kane” is the way in which Welles and cinematographer Gregg Toland manipulate visual space to convey meaning (Carringer, 2015). This is evident in the scene where Kane’s parents are discussing his future at the family’s breakfast table. In this scene, Welles and Toland employ deep staging to emphasize the emotional distance between Kane and his parents (Bordwell, 1985). The camera is positioned at a considerable distance from the characters, allowing the audience to see all three of them in the frame simultaneously. This spatial arrangement visually underscores the emotional disconnect between Kane and his parents, foreshadowing his isolation and eventual downfall.

Light and Shadow

The use of light and shadow in “Citizen Kane” is a masterclass in visual storytelling (Bordwell, 1985). In the scene where Kane confronts his second wife, Susan Alexander Kane, in their luxurious but cavernous Xanadu estate, the interplay of light and shadow is particularly striking. As Kane towers over Susan in a dimly lit room, the harsh, angular shadows cast by the elaborate decor mirror the oppressive nature of their relationship (Carringer, 2015). The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes Kane’s domineering presence and Susan’s vulnerability, reinforcing the theme of power and control.

Unusual Camera Angles and Framing

Welles and Toland’s use of unusual camera angles and framing is another standout aspect of the film (Bordwell, 1985). In the scene where Kane’s political rally is in full swing, the camera is positioned at a low angle, capturing Kane from below as he delivers a fiery speech. This low-angle shot not only makes Kane appear larger than life but also positions him as a figure of authority and charisma (Carringer, 2015). The framing, with Kane occupying most of the frame and the crowd in the background, emphasizes his isolation and the cult of personality he has cultivated.

Deep Staging

Deep staging, a technique that keeps both foreground and background in focus, is employed masterfully throughout “Citizen Kane” (Bordwell, 1985). In the scene where Kane’s childhood sled, “Rosebud,” is incinerated in the furnace, deep staging is used to convey the emotional weight of the moment (Carringer, 2015). As the camera captures the sled in the foreground and the flames in the background, the audience witnesses Kane’s innocence being consumed by the flames, both literally and metaphorically. The depth of field in this scene allows us to simultaneously observe the object and its destruction, emphasizing the profound impact this loss has on Kane’s character.

Conclusion

In “Citizen Kane,” Orson Welles and Gregg Toland pushed the boundaries of cinematography to create a visually stunning and thematically rich film . Through their manipulation of visual space, use of light and shadow, unusual camera angles and framing, and deep staging, they not only elevated the art of filmmaking but also deepened our understanding of the characters and themes within the story. Each of these techniques, as demonstrated in specific scenes, contributes significantly to the film’s meanings and resonates with audiences to this day, cementing “Citizen Kane” as a cinematic masterpiece.

References

Bordwell, D. (1985). The Classical Hollywood Cinema: Film Style and Mode of Production to 1960. Columbia University Press.

Carringer, R. L. (2015). The Making of Citizen Kane. University of California Press.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: Who directed “Citizen Kane,” and why is it considered a cinematic masterpiece?

“Citizen Kane” was directed by Orson Welles. It is considered a cinematic masterpiece due to its groundbreaking use of cinematography and sound design, as well as its innovative narrative structure, which has had a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking.

FAQ 2: What is deep staging, and how is it used in the film?

Deep staging is a cinematographic technique that keeps both foreground and background in focus, creating a sense of depth in the frame. It is used in “Citizen Kane” to emphasize important moments and relationships, such as when Kane’s childhood sled, “Rosebud,” is incinerated in the furnace, where it conveys the emotional weight of the moment.

FAQ 3: Can you explain the significance of the manipulation of visual space in the film?

The manipulation of visual space in “Citizen Kane” involves positioning characters and objects within the frame to convey emotional or thematic meaning. For instance, in the scene with Kane’s parents, the use of deep staging and spatial arrangement visually underscores the emotional distance between Kane and his parents, foreshadowing his isolation.

FAQ 4: How does the use of light and shadow contribute to the storytelling in “Citizen Kane”?

The interplay of light and shadow in the film serves to highlight character dynamics and themes. In the scene with Kane and Susan Alexander Kane in Xanadu, the harsh shadows emphasize Kane’s domineering presence and Susan’s vulnerability, reinforcing the theme of power and control.

FAQ 5: Why are unusual camera angles and framing techniques significant in “Citizen Kane”?

Unusual camera angles and framing in the film help shape the audience’s perception of characters and situations. For example, the low-angle shot during Kane’s political rally makes him appear larger than life and positions him as a charismatic figure of authority.

FAQ 6: How does “Citizen Kane” use visuals and sound to deepen our understanding of characters and themes?

The film’s use of visuals and sound is integral to character development and theme exploration. These techniques immerse the audience in Kane’s world, allowing them to experience the story on multiple levels and enhancing their understanding of the characters and their motivations.