Introduction
Widely regarded as the greatest film of all time, Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane continues to captivate audiences with its revolutionary visual style, remarkable performances, and timeless themes. But what makes this 1941 masterpiece so special? This article will explore why Citizen Kane is the best movie ever made by analyzing its groundbreaking cinematography and editing techniques, exploring the dynamic between Kane and Susan Alexander, examining powerful themes, discussing the influence of Orson Welles, tracing its impact on cinema history, and considering technical innovations that made it possible.
Analyzing Groundbreaking Cinematography and Editing Techniques
When it comes to cinematography, Citizen Kane was truly ahead of its time. Welles used a variety of unique shots, including low-angle shots to emphasize Kane’s power, wide-angle shots to create a sense of awe, and deep focus shots to allow viewers to take in multiple elements of the scene at once. These innovative techniques have since become staples of modern filmmaking.
Welles also employed creative editing techniques to tell his story. He often used quick cuts to build suspense, utilized cross-cutting to show simultaneous events, and employed montages to illustrate the passage of time. According to film scholar Charles Higham, “Welles’ editing was one of the most important contributions to the development of film technique.”
The sound design of Citizen Kane was also revolutionary. Welles used sound effects to draw attention to certain moments, such as when he added the sound of a ticking clock to the opening shot to increase the tension. He also used music to create a sense of foreboding, such as when he inserted Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” during the sequence in which Kane is running for governor.
Exploring the Dynamic Between Kane and Susan Alexander
At the center of Citizen Kane is the complicated relationship between Kane and Susan Alexander, played by Joseph Cotton and Dorothy Comingore, respectively. Kane is an ambitious yet selfish man who is determined to make a name for himself, while Susan is a talented singer whose dreams are constantly thwarted by Kane’s fickle nature. Despite their differences, they are ultimately connected by their loneliness and longing for companionship.
Kane and Susan’s relationship serves as a microcosm of many of the film’s themes, such as ambition, betrayal, and the corruptive power of money. As film critic Roger Ebert wrote, “Their scenes together are among the most heartbreaking in the movie, because we can see how much each wants and needs the other, but neither has the capacity to give what the other requires.”
Examining Powerful Themes
One of the reasons why Citizen Kane has endured for so long is its exploration of timeless themes. At its core, the film is about the corruptive power of ambition, and how Kane’s obsession with success leads him to ignore the people closest to him. As Welles himself said, “No man is great enough or wise enough for any of us to surrender our destiny to him.”
The film also deals with loneliness and the search for meaning in life. Throughout the movie, Kane is desperate for companionship and love, yet he continually pushes away those who care about him. This theme is encapsulated in the famous line, “Rosebud…it was something I had lost.”
Finally, the film explores the theme of betrayal. Kane’s ambition leads him to betray his loved ones, and his selfishness causes him to lose the respect of his peers. As film scholar Robert Stam notes, “Kane’s ultimate tragedy is that he is betrayed by his own ambition.”
Discussing the Influence of Orson Welles
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the vision and talent of Orson Welles. As a young director, Welles pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking and created a film that was both technically innovative and emotionally powerful. He was also a masterful actor, bringing Kane to life with a mix of charisma and menace.
Welles’ influence on cinema cannot be overstated. As director Steven Spielberg said, “Orson Welles’ work on Citizen Kane changed the way films were made forever. After Citizen Kane, directors began to think of the camera as an instrument of storytelling rather than a passive recorder of images.”
Tracing Citizen Kane’s Impact on Cinema History
Since its release in 1941, Citizen Kane has had a profound impact on cinema history. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also the first American film to be inducted into the National Film Registry, and it continues to be included in numerous “best of” lists.
In addition to its awards and accolades, Citizen Kane has had a lasting cultural impact. The film has been referenced in numerous other films, television shows, books, and songs. It has also inspired generations of filmmakers, from Martin Scorsese to Steven Spielberg.
Perhaps the greatest testament to Citizen Kane‘s influence is the fact that it is still viewed with awe and admiration more than 75 years after its release. As film critic Roger Ebert noted, “It is not just a great movie; it is one of those movies that shaped the evolution of cinema.”
Considering Technical Innovations That Made Citizen Kane Possible
Of course, it’s impossible to discuss Citizen Kane without mentioning the technical innovations that made it possible. Welles and his team used a number of groundbreaking techniques, such as special effects, low-light photography, and non-linear storytelling. These techniques have since become staples of modern filmmaking, and their influence can still be seen in today’s movies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Citizen Kane is the greatest movie of all time for a variety of reasons. From its groundbreaking cinematography and editing techniques to its exploration of timeless themes, the film remains as powerful and relevant today as it was when it was released in 1941. Orson Welles’ vision, talent, and legacy continue to shape the art of filmmaking, and Citizen Kane will undoubtedly continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
For further research, consider exploring the various interpretations of the film’s iconic ending or analyzing the influence of Citizen Kane on other filmmakers.
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