Citizen Kane Analysis

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Analysis of Citizen Kane Citizen Kane was produced in 1941 and was the directorial debut of Orson Wells. Based on the real life character William Randolph Hearst, the story centers around Charles Foster Kane a man who vowed social service and honesty, but who’s life turns into a tireless pursuit of power and security. Citizen Kane is regarded by many industry professionals as the best film of all time. This is not because of one aspect or the other but how many aspects work together to enhance the overall meaning of the film. I will demonstrate this by analyzing Scene Twenty Six of Citizen Kane. Focusing on four key areas; Mise en scene, Cinematography, Editing and Sound. Mise en scene is the staging of the event ( that would otherwise be for theatre ) on camera. The level of control the director has over the meaning portrayed through the Mise En Scene can be quite an effective device for the storytelling medium. Even though the story is fictional the setting of time/place for Citizen Kane was the 1940’s the same era it was produced. This gave it a realist quality the audience could relate to. The Props ( such as the tables, tents, food, and luxuries) used in the setting at the picnic convey Charles’s material wealth and preferences. His character, ( who at the beginning of the film was surrounded by colleges and friends ) is now surrounded by people he doesn't know, he now values beautiful expensive things. The use of props in this setting reveals the level of change Charles has gone through and highlights what he now views as important. Make up at this point in the story plays a crucial

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