Citizen Kane. An enigma that has been labeled the greatest American movie ever made. But what makes this movie so gosh-darn entertaining and well-made (relatively speaking)? It could be the engaging narrative, the complex characterization, or Orson Welles's excellent use of deep focus photography. However, the most obvious cinematic, even theatric, element is an aspect of mise-en-scene: lighting.
Welles was able to accentuate character motive by merely lighting a scene effectively. Low-key lighting, as portrayed in the above photo, is probably the director's most immediate choice in depicting the mysterious and unattainable aspects of the movie. One instance of this choice is during the Declaration of Principles scene, when Kane first creates his promise to the public. His face is almost entirely in shadow during the signing of the document, which questions the integrity of the declaration. Light is also a dominant element during a fight between Kane and Susan Alexander. Mixed with a high-angle shot, the low-key lighting greatly emphasizes the superiority of Kane's word over Alexander's will, as well as establish a deeper look into Kane's motives behind his "love" for Susan. Jerry Thompson's character, the reporter researching rosebud, is also defined by deliberate lighting. The audience never gets a satisfying shot of his face, which could imply that we too are "left in the dark" about Kane.
Many components were compiled to create this critically-acclaimed film. Taking each element into consideration individually would not do a piece justice. It is imperative that they be viewed together in synergy to comprehend the artistry behind a movie.
2 comments:
'ello poppet, I really like your voice which you portrayed excellently in the journal, it also shows a lot of thought by breaking down an important scene (by memory) and writing so wonderfully about. Terrific.
wow you really know your lighting stuff, piece. i can tell you paid close attention to those kinds of details.
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