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.
“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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
