Glossary

10.2 Orson Welles' Innovative Filmmaking and "Citizen Kane"

4 min read•july 30, 2024

Orson Welles revolutionized filmmaking with "Citizen Kane," pushing the boundaries of cinematography and storytelling. His innovative techniques, like and non-linear narratives, set new standards for visual style and complex characterization in American cinema.

As a pioneering auteur, Welles' creative control over "Citizen Kane" challenged the and influenced future filmmakers. His exploration of power, corruption, and through Kane's character continues to resonate, cementing the film's status as a cinematic masterpiece.

Welles' Techniques in "Citizen Kane"

Cinematography and Visual Style

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  • Utilized deep focus cinematography keeping both foreground and background elements in sharp focus simultaneously allowing for more complex visual compositions and staging
    • Achieved deep focus by using wide-angle lenses, smaller apertures, and increased lighting to maintain a greater depth of field
  • Employed low-angle shots, ceilings in sets, and expressionistic lighting contributing to the film's distinct visual style and atmosphere
    • Emphasized the characters' psychological states and power dynamics through visual choices
    • Created a sense of grandeur and oppression in scenes featuring Kane's imposing figure and architectural spaces (Xanadu mansion)

Narrative Structure and Storytelling Techniques

  • Presented a non-linear departing from the conventional linear storytelling prevalent in Hollywood at the time
    • Told Kane's life story through a series of flashbacks and multiple perspectives (interviews with associates)
    • Fragmented narrative elements connected through transitional devices such as dissolves, montages, and visual motifs (recurring image of a jigsaw puzzle)
  • Employed a central mystery surrounding the meaning of Kane's dying word "Rosebud" as a narrative device
    • Explored Kane's character and motivations revealing the profound impact of his childhood experiences on his adult life
    • Used the search for "Rosebud" to structure the film's plot and provide a unifying thread for the disparate story elements

Thematic Significance of "Citizen Kane"

Power, Corruption, and the American Dream

  • Explored themes of power, corruption, and the American Dream tracing the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane as a media mogul and influential public figure
    • Critiqued the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals and the potential for abuse and manipulation in the media industry
    • Presented Kane's character arc from an idealistic young man to a disillusioned and isolated figure serving as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of wealth and power
  • Examined the complex nature of the American Dream and its potential to both inspire and corrupt individuals in their pursuit of success and influence
    • Depicted Kane's early idealism and populist sentiments giving way to a ruthless drive for power and control
    • Showcased the emptiness of material wealth and the failure of Kane's relationships (failed marriages, estranged friends) despite his success

Character Development and Psychological Depth

  • Set a new standard for complex characterization and psychological depth in American cinema influencing subsequent filmmakers in their approach to character development and narrative structure
    • Portrayed Kane as a multifaceted and enigmatic figure whose motivations and desires are gradually revealed through the perspectives of those who knew him
    • Used supporting characters such as Jedediah Leland and Susan Alexander to provide contrasting perspectives on Kane and highlight different aspects of his personality and the consequences of his actions
  • Delved into the psychological effects of fame, power, and isolation on an individual's personal relationships and sense of self
    • Depicted Kane's increasing loneliness and disconnection from others as he accumulates wealth and influence
    • Explored the impact of childhood trauma (separation from mother, boarding school) on Kane's emotional development and adult behavior

Welles' Auteur Influence

Creative Control and the Auteur Theory

  • Demonstrated unprecedented creative control over "Citizen Kane" including roles as co-writer, director, producer, and star establishing Welles as one of the first recognized auteurs in American cinema
    • Challenged the established studio system and paved the way for greater creative autonomy for directors in the future
    • Contributed to the development of the emphasizing the director's personal creative vision and signature style in film criticism and theory
  • Showcased the director's central role in shaping the final product through innovative use of cinematography, editing, and sound expanding the artistic possibilities of the medium
    • Collaborated closely with cinematographer to develop groundbreaking visual techniques (deep focus, low angles)
    • Experimented with and musical score to create a unique auditory experience (overlapping dialogue, dramatic musical cues)

Influence on Subsequent Filmmakers

  • Influenced numerous filmmakers through his distinctive visual style characterized by deep focus, low angles, and expressive lighting
    • Emulated and referenced by directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Paul Thomas Anderson particularly in terms of visual storytelling and unconventional narrative structures
    • Inspired a generation of filmmakers to push the boundaries of cinematic technique and storytelling (Robert Altman, Stanley Kubrick)
  • Established a legacy as a pioneering figure in the development of American cinema and a symbol of artistic innovation and independence
    • Recognized as a key influence in the rise of the New Hollywood movement of the 1960s and 1970s which emphasized director-driven, personal filmmaking
    • Continues to be studied and celebrated as a masterpiece of cinema and a milestone in the history of the medium (consistently ranked among the greatest films of all time)

Key Terms to Review (15)

Auteur theory: Auteur theory is a critical framework that asserts the director is the primary creative force behind a film, akin to an author of a book. This theory emphasizes the unique style, vision, and personal stamp that directors place on their works, suggesting that their films are reflections of their individual artistic sensibilities. It highlights the idea that recurring themes, visual motifs, and stylistic choices across a director's body of work create a cohesive narrative and aesthetic, allowing audiences to understand their perspective and intent.
Critical Acclaim: Critical acclaim refers to the praise and recognition given by film critics and scholars to a film or filmmaker for their artistic merit, originality, and overall quality. This recognition often leads to a film being considered significant within its cultural context, influencing both audience reception and the trajectory of cinematic trends. Critical acclaim can also affect awards nominations and wins, contributing to the legacy of a film and its creators.
Deep focus: Deep focus is a cinematographic technique that allows multiple planes of a shot to be in sharp focus simultaneously, enabling viewers to see foreground, middle ground, and background elements clearly. This technique enhances storytelling by allowing details in various spatial dimensions to coexist within a single frame, creating a more immersive experience and supporting narrative depth.
Greatest film of all time: The term 'greatest film of all time' refers to a film that is widely considered to have set a standard for excellence in cinema, often influencing filmmakers and audiences alike. This concept is frequently associated with films that not only achieve critical acclaim but also showcase innovative storytelling, groundbreaking techniques, and profound cultural impact. In discussions about cinematic achievements, one film often mentioned is 'Citizen Kane,' which epitomizes this term due to its revolutionary approach to narrative structure and visual style.
Gregg Toland: Gregg Toland was a highly influential cinematographer known for his groundbreaking work in film, particularly during the 1940s. His innovative techniques, especially in lighting and deep focus cinematography, greatly shaped the visual storytelling of films like 'Citizen Kane.' Toland's approach emphasized the importance of composition and the emotional weight of scenes, establishing him as a pivotal figure in American cinema.
Herman J. Mankiewicz: Herman J. Mankiewicz was an influential American screenwriter and film producer, best known for his collaboration with Orson Welles on the groundbreaking film 'Citizen Kane.' His work on the screenplay earned him an Academy Award, highlighting his role in shaping one of the most acclaimed films in cinema history. Mankiewicz's innovative narrative techniques and character development were pivotal in crafting the film's complex storytelling style, which has had a lasting impact on filmmaking.
Hollywood Golden Age: The Hollywood Golden Age refers to the period from the late 1920s to the early 1960s when the American film industry experienced a significant boom, characterized by the dominance of major studios, a star system, and the production of classic films. This era was marked by innovations in filmmaking, including sound, color, and narrative techniques, as well as the establishment of Hollywood as the epicenter of global cinema.
Interpretation: Interpretation refers to the process of understanding and explaining the meaning of a film or its elements, including themes, characters, and visuals. This process is crucial for analyzing cinematic works as it helps viewers grasp the underlying messages and the filmmaker's intentions, ultimately leading to deeper appreciation and engagement with the film. The way a viewer interprets a film can vary based on personal experiences, cultural background, and societal context.
Lighting techniques: Lighting techniques refer to the methods and styles used in filmmaking to manipulate light to achieve specific visual effects and enhance storytelling. These techniques can create mood, establish a setting, highlight character emotions, and shape audience perceptions. Effective use of lighting can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of a film, making it a crucial aspect of visual storytelling.
Modernism: Modernism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional forms and an exploration of new techniques and perspectives. This movement sought to capture the complexities of modern life, often reflecting themes of fragmentation, alienation, and the subconscious, which were especially prominent in literature and visual arts. In cinema, modernism manifested through innovative storytelling and experimental techniques that challenged conventional narrative structures.
Narrative structure: Narrative structure refers to the organized way in which a story is presented, including its plot, character development, and overall arc. It involves the arrangement of events and elements that create a coherent and engaging storyline, often divided into distinct parts such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Understanding narrative structure is crucial as it influences how audiences perceive and connect with the story being told.
Realism: Realism in cinema refers to a style that aims to depict everyday life and experiences as accurately as possible, focusing on relatable characters, situations, and settings. This approach often emphasizes naturalistic dialogue, authentic locations, and a sense of truthfulness that resonates with audiences. Realism can serve as a powerful contrast to more stylized forms of filmmaking, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative on a personal level.
Sound Design: Sound design is the art and practice of creating audio elements for film, television, theater, and other media, encompassing dialogue, sound effects, and music to enhance the storytelling experience. It involves careful manipulation of sound to evoke emotions, establish mood, and provide context within a narrative. Through various techniques, sound design plays a crucial role in immersing the audience in the film’s world, making it a vital component of cinematic language.
Studio system: The studio system refers to the dominant method of film production and distribution in Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1960s, where a small number of major studios controlled all aspects of filmmaking. This system included vertical integration, where studios owned production, distribution, and exhibition, leading to a highly formulaic approach to filmmaking that prioritized commercial success.
The American Dream: The American Dream refers to the national ethos of the United States, centered on the idea that prosperity and success are achievable through hard work and determination, regardless of one's background. This concept is deeply embedded in American culture and is often portrayed in cinema as both an aspirational goal and a complex reality, reflecting the hopes and struggles of individuals within society.
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