Orson Welles’ first film, “Citizen Kane,” richly realizes the full potential of excellent craftsmanship. Every perceivable element of cinema is expertly utilized to drive the story, themes and tones that “Citizen Kane” present. This is especially apparent in the scene that follows Susan leaving Kane. This scene’s manipulation of mise-en-scène, editing and sound bring together all of Welles’ ideas and drive them beyond the finish line.
Mise en scène is what appears in the frame, what the viewer sees. It creates meaning and enhances the story of the film. In the scene where Kane destroys Susan’s bedroom, the control and handling of the mise en scène amplifies the feeling of loneliness, vulnerability and defeat. This scene takes place near the end of the film and is arguably the film’s climax. It starts quietly, with Kane’s anger slowly growing. Welles uses a low angle shot to make the …show more content…
He comes off not only as a man, but ironically a rather simple man. As he leaves the room and the slow melancholy non-diegetic score begins the mood is set even further. With the destruction behind him Kane is left to his own devices. The elongated notes of the strings and the low brass represent Kane’s defeat. The score is ambient and almost barren, this enhances the feeling of heartache and desolation that Kane is feeling.
“Citizen Kane” is often praised as the greatest film in history. This is due in part to Orson Welles’ masterful storytelling but could not be without his excellent craftsmanship. The elements afore mentioned added meaning to the scene of the destruction of Susan’s room. They amplified the tones that Welles wanted to get across to the viewer, enhanced the viewer’s investment in the events taking place in the scene and perhaps most importantly, they created a sympathy for Charles Foster Kane prompting the viewer to love and appreciate the nuances of his
Mise en scène is what appears in the frame, what the viewer sees. It creates meaning and enhances the story of the film. In the scene where Kane destroys Susan’s bedroom, the control and handling of the mise en scène amplifies the feeling of loneliness, vulnerability and defeat. This scene takes place near the end of the film and is arguably the film’s climax. It starts quietly, with Kane’s anger slowly growing. Welles uses a low angle shot to make the …show more content…
He comes off not only as a man, but ironically a rather simple man. As he leaves the room and the slow melancholy non-diegetic score begins the mood is set even further. With the destruction behind him Kane is left to his own devices. The elongated notes of the strings and the low brass represent Kane’s defeat. The score is ambient and almost barren, this enhances the feeling of heartache and desolation that Kane is feeling.
“Citizen Kane” is often praised as the greatest film in history. This is due in part to Orson Welles’ masterful storytelling but could not be without his excellent craftsmanship. The elements afore mentioned added meaning to the scene of the destruction of Susan’s room. They amplified the tones that Welles wanted to get across to the viewer, enhanced the viewer’s investment in the events taking place in the scene and perhaps most importantly, they created a sympathy for Charles Foster Kane prompting the viewer to love and appreciate the nuances of his