Case Study: Citizen Kane

During class, you will watch Citizen Kane (Welles, 1941) twice; once to see the text and to gain an understanding of the narrative and characters, alongside an idea of the construction and aesthetics, and again, accompanied by the Roger Ebert commentary. During the second screening you will be listening to details about the construction of the film, through a thorough analysis of the ideas / concept, cinematography (framing, angles, camera movement), set design, compositing & special effects, sound and direction of characters.

Boss Jim Gettys, "Singer" Susan Alexander, Charles Foster Kane and Emily Kane

Part 1

• begin a post and highlight the title, release date and director of the film
• add a brief synopsis and bullet the key plot points of the film (and how characters progress the narrative).

Inside Mrs Kane's Boarding House

Part 2

• comment upon at least 3 scenes, shots or narrative devices that you found particularly impressive / interesting (based on viewing the film the first time - no commentary).
  You should consider:
• cinematography (framing, angles, camera movement)
• mise-en-scene (lighting, costume, props, iconography, etc.)
• character movement / direction
• sound
• set design
• special effects (transitions, compositing, animation, etc).

Part 3

• comment upon at least 3 scenes, shots or narrative devices that you found particularly impressive / interesting (based on viewing the film the second time - with commentary).
  You should consider:
• cinematography (framing, angles, camera movement)
• mise-en-scene (lighting, costume, props, iconography, etc.)
• character movement / direction
• sound
• set design
• special effects (transitions, compositing, animation, etc).

Low false ceilings, giant windows and fireplaces and long takes - the magic of Citizen Kane