Unspooled Citizen Kane
May 17, 2018
Discover the cinematic genius behind a legendary film. Dive into the fascinating story of how 'Citizen Kane' nearly went unseen. Explore Orson Welles' innovative sound design and the complexities of its protagonist, Charles Kane. Delve into themes of love and ambition, as well as the film's groundbreaking cinematography. Unpack the rich symbolism of fire and ice, revealing deeper layers of meaning. Plus, get ready for the next classic with a hint about 'Ben-Hur.'
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Nonlinear Multi-Perspective Storytelling
- Citizen Kane uses an ambitious non-linear, multi-perspective structure that was unusual for its time.
- The film jumps across decades and viewpoints to assemble Kane's life like a puzzle rather than a single chronological story.
Welles Got A Blank-Check Deal
- Orson Welles arrived in Hollywood with exceptional freedom and a near-blank check to make a film.
- He leveraged his Mercury Theatre reputation to demand creative control and a large budget for Citizen Kane.
Sound Creates Emotional Space
- Orson Welles applied his radio and theater background to film by using sound to convey emotion and space.
- Amy Nicholson highlights scenes where echo and sound design communicate estrangement without visual effects.