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Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane," a groundbreaking American dramatic film, stands as an unparalleled masterpiece, often hailed as the world's most famous and highest-rated cinematic creation. Released in 1941, this classic not only marks Welles's directorial debut at the young age of twenty-five but also revolutionizes the art of cinematography. Ranked as the number one film of all time, "Citizen Kane" showcases a multitude of innovative techniques that have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
At the heart of "Citizen Kane's" technical brilliance lies the extended use of the deep focus technique, a revolutionary contribution to cinematography.
Unlike conventional films, deep focus allows for both foreground and background elements to be captured with equal clarity, ushering in a new era of visual storytelling. An iconic example is the scene where Kane's parents discuss his future while he plays outside in the snow, visible through a window in the foreground. This technique not only showcases overlapping simultaneous actions but also elevates the importance of mise-en-scène, considering the physical environment as a crucial storytelling element.
Welles's choice of classically trained theatrical actors, unfamiliar with the film industry, adds depth to the deep focus technique.
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Their theatrical background proves pivotal in the successful execution of deep focus, as the actors seamlessly integrate themselves into each scene, enhancing the overall visual impact of the film.
Another unorthodox method employed in "Citizen Kane" is the strategic use of low-angle shots.
These shots, emphasizing the importance of a person or object, create a visual impact by elongating the subject. By positioning the camera facing upward, ceilings become visible in the background, adding an artistic and psychological dimension. The excessive use of low-angle shots, especially in scenes featuring Kane, fosters an intimidating atmosphere, as viewers find themselves in an inferior position, looking up. This deliberate manipulation of camera angles contributes to the portrayal of Kane as a towering, even grotesque figure.
Furthermore, the film introduces a unique technique where characters move across rooms, and the floors and ceilings move with them. This unconventional approach serves to dehumanize the characters, reducing them to mere ornaments in a dynamically shifting architecture. Welles's daring use of camera positions and angles contributes to the overall impact of "Citizen Kane" as a visual and narrative tour de force.
Welles seamlessly incorporates creative storytelling techniques into "Citizen Kane," from the use of flashbacks to the manipulation of successive episodic sequences. The film employs adjacent scenes on the same set, with characters changing costumes and makeup during cuts, creating a temporal shift within the same location. Flashbacks play a pivotal role, narrating Kane's life story entirely in retrospect, demonstrating another innovative approach to storytelling.
The aural techniques in the film, influenced by Welles's radio experience, showcase a mastery of sound effects. The cold echo heard in the monumental library scene, featuring the reporter and the formidable librarian, exemplifies the meticulous use of sound to evoke specific moods and emotions. "Citizen Kane" introduces a remarkable aural innovation known as the lightning-mix, seamlessly linking different scenes through continuous series of related sounds or phrases. This technique, emphasizing the continuity of the soundtrack, facilitates smooth narrative transitions between disparate scenes.
Orson Welles's directorial brilliance extends to visual elements such as the intentional use of glasses and mirrors throughout the film. Notably, in the concluding scenes, Kane is left alone, passing in front of a set of mirrors, enhancing the film's overall impact. The meticulous use of lighting and shadow, coupled with carefully designed camera setups, frames characters in oblique angles, creating a play of light and shadow that contributes to the film's visual richness.
In conclusion, "Citizen Kane" not only serves as a testament to Welles's creative genius but also introduces Hollywood to the inventive and productive potential of cinematic techniques. The film's impact extends across various departments, from visuals and special effects to sound and screenplay. Welles's technical brilliance in "Citizen Kane" has undeniably left an indelible imprint on the art of filmmaking, forever changing the landscape of cinema.
The Cinematic Brilliance of Citizen Kane. (2016, Jul 27). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/citizen-kane-innovative-techniques-essay
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