Orson Scott Card

The film Citizen Kane starts as the main character, Charles Foster Kane, mutters his last words and dies; his last words were “Rosebud.” The entirety of the movie is based around trying to find out the significance of rosebud, and in doing so the viewers get a look at the summary of Charles Kane’s life through flashbacks. Throughout his life, Charles Kane used his wealth to make millions, however by the end of the film we realize that being a tycoon in the United States, the “American Dream,”…

Citizen Kane is often referred to as “The Greatest Movie of All Time” by many film critics, actors, directors, and film industry pioneers. Its story of Charles Foster Kane’s rise and fall as the wealthy newspaper tycoon is Orson Welles first feature film and his masterpiece. I must admit that last night was my first time watching Citizen Kane but I immediately understood why it is such a well-regarded film. I had previously read reviews and in-depth analysis about the movie but never actually…

When ‘Citizen Kane’ was originally released in 1941, it gave an insight into the manipulation and distortion of the press by scrutinizing Kane’s desire to gain control. As Kane’s character is based on newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, Welles depicts Kane’s influential media control by exposing the beginning of “yellow journalism” as Kane reiterates Hearst’s famous note, “you provide the prose poems, I’ll provide the war.” Kane’s unethical abuse of media power expressed when Kane states…

Citizen Kane challenged the traditional narratives and technical elements of classic Hollywood cinema in a number of ways. The most noteworthy challenge of traditional narratives was its application of deep focus. Citizen Kane using deep focus and having everything in frame was a serious challenge of traditional narratives and technical elements because traditionally in films of the time, only the foreground was in focus. In addition to those elements, Citizen Kane used cutting edge storytelling…

Men in powerful positions, a personal journey marked by trial, and the consequences that follow abusing privileges are all elements found in both The Fisher King and Citizen Kane. The Fisher King follows the story of radio personality Jack and his struggle to rise above his superior attitude, while Citizen Kane takes viewers through Charles Foster Kane’s ultimate downfall in his quest for power. Although many years and two distinct casts separate the two films, both films share similar…

Schatz has identified several noir elements in the film Citizen Kane. According to Schatz (116-117), Citizen Kane had all of the seven noir elements: 1. The majority of scenes are lit for night 2. As in German Expressionism, oblique and vertical lines are preferred to horizontal 3. The actors and setting are often given equal lighting emphasis 4. Compositional tension is preferred to physical action 5. There is an almost Freudian attachment to water 6. There is love of romantic narration 7…

Art, film and literature allow composers to express universal ideas that are significant to the society in which they live and, more importantly, transcend their own context. Orson Welles’ 1941 film Citizen Kane incorporates innovative cinematographic techniques to create a film that has enduring relevance and textual integrity. This film-a-clef draws upon the life story of William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper mogul during his time to a fictional character, Charles Foster Kane. The corrupting…

An individual’s identity is shaped through a complex interaction between internal and external forces which form the basis of one’s values and attitudes. Orson Welles’ revolutionary film Citizen Kane (1941) examines the psychologically damaging effects of internal conflict brought on by parental neglect and the morally corruptive impacts of an unchecked pursuit for power and influence. While a critical analysis may provide insight into these notions, the prevailing notion posited through the…

Charlie Chaplin is most well-known for his character The Tramp, as well as writing, directing, and starring in his own films. Just as Hollywood was moving into “talkies” or films with sound, Chaplin was still going against the grain. He remained one of the last silent film stars until the release of the political satire comedy-drama The Great Dictator in 1940. Besides his singing part in Modern Times, this was the first time audiences heard Chaplin’s true voice. The Great Dictator tells the…

The movie Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of general Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) that stands against crazy Emperor (played by Joaquiem Phoenix) is considered to be one of the best historical movies in modern history. However, as it goes in historic movies, Gladiator is showing the audience the popular recitation period and masks the real perception and the real course of government. It is true that most of the changes made in the movie could only strengthen the…