"Citizen Kane" by Andrew Marvin

Title/Year: “Citizen Kane” - 1941

Director: Orson Welles- May 6, 1915 - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Budget: $686,000 (Estimated)

Gross: $1.5 million

Synopsis: A reporter becomes obsessed with finding the meaning of the final words of a publishing giant…”Rosebud.”

Narrative/Visual Key Words: Rosebud, Newspaper, Death, Obsession, Mystery, Drama

Characterization/Dialogue: A reporter tries to decipher the final words of Charles Foster Kane, a publishing tycoon. As the reporter digs deeper into Charles Foster Kane, he learns of his rise to fame and fortune, and his fall from the top.

Camera/Lighting: The film is presented in Black and White. The cinematography by Gregg Toland is beautiful and way ahead of its time. The low angles are stand out.

Social/Political Commentary: The films central character is based on William R. Hearst, who was a newspaper publishing giant. Orson Welles and Hearst feud over the making and release of “Citizen Kane” is probably the biggest in Hollywood history. Hearst claimed that the film basically showed him in an ill light; meanwhile, Welles fought the studio over final creative control and release.

Historical Relevance: The film is considered the Greatest Film of All time by many, including American Film Institute. Won Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Nomination for Best Director

Notable Collaboration: Writer Herman Mankiewicz

Random Fact: The opening title card has no music accompanying it, briefly.

How would you classify the visual aspects of this film in relationship to theme or mood? I think that the visual aspects really complement the film as a whole. The camera and lighting really give the film the sense of mystery and foreshadow. The low angles really elevate the dramatic scenes to a larger than life quality, heighten tension.

Does sound play an important role in the piece? The sound much like the cinematography was top notch all the way. There was nothing I didn’t hear, had a lot of detail in the sound design.

What is your subjective take on the piece as a whole? Having heard so much about this film over the years, I really didn’t know what to really expect at this point. But what I take away from the film is Orson Welles’ performance and the incredible cinematography. Those two elements really knocked me out overall. I can see why it can be considered the greatest of all time, I’m not sure I would totally agree. It should most definitely be in the top 100, no question.