Chinatown

Citizen Kane

1941

Orson Welles

The plot of the movie "Citizen Kane" follows the life of a man named Charles Foster Kane. In the beginning of the movie he dies and we go on a journey to find out the meaning of his dying words. A reporter takes us to many people involved in the mans life: His childhood friend, his ex-wife, and his butler to name some. It is through their flashbacks that this mans story is told. It is through amazing camera and film making technique that this film tells the story of a mans thirst for power and his inevitable fall.

Some examples of this are scenes such as the scene in which Kane writes the Declaration of Principles. As he writes down a wonderful declaration of honesty and truth he is shrouded in darkness. This is an amazing way to show the dishonesty and corruptive thirst for power that was to come.

The Scene in which he is speaking to the people about being governor appears much like the set up of a Hitler rally. This was an interesting way to show his ever-growing power and authority that he was gaining. Many other scenes helped show his power and influence by the level the camera was capturing him. It was very often lower than him to make him appear important.

A wonderful technique they used in set design was in the scenes in his palace. The gigantism of everything, even the fireplace, shows how despite all his power and wealth he was alienated and alone.

I wasn't a huge fan of this movie because it just is not the type I take interest in, although I did appreciate the film techniques and think it was shot wonderfully.