Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film directed, co-written, produced by, and starring Orson Welles. The film was released by RKO Pictures and is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made. Here are some detailed points about the film:
Plot and Themes
- The story revolves around Charles Foster Kane, a character inspired by real-life newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who dies alone in his vast estate called Xanadu. His last word, "Rosebud," triggers an investigation by a reporter, Jerry Thompson, into Kane's life.
- It explores themes such as the American Dream, the corrupting influence of power, media manipulation, and the loss of innocence.
Production
- Orson Welles was given unprecedented control over the film by RKO, allowing him to innovate in various aspects of filmmaking.
- The film was shot in black-and-white, and its innovative use of cinematography, particularly deep focus, allowed for a depth of field where the foreground, mid-ground, and background could all be in sharp focus at once.
- Welles also utilized low-angle shots to give characters an imposing presence and flashback narrative to tell the story non-linearly.
Reception and Legacy
- Upon release, Citizen Kane received mixed reviews; Hearst's opposition led to a campaign against the film, affecting its initial box office performance.
- Over time, its reputation grew, and it has been lauded for its narrative structure, visual style, and the performances, especially by Welles and Joseph Cotten.
- The film has been voted the greatest of all time in several polls, including by the British Film Institute and Sight & Sound.
Impact on Film Industry
- Citizen Kane influenced many aspects of filmmaking, from storytelling techniques to visual grammar.
- It set standards for the auteur theory, where directors are seen as the primary authors of their films, influencing future directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese.
- Its techniques in sound design and editing are still taught in film schools today.
Controversies
- The film's portrayal of Hearst led to legal threats and media suppression, significantly impacting its initial distribution and reception.
- The controversy over the similarities between Kane and Hearst was so intense that it reportedly led to Hearst's mistress, Marion Davies, being socially ostracized.
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