Citizen Kane ,the mise-en-scene and cinematography Essay

Citizen Kane ,the mise-en-scene and cinematography - Essay ExampleIt is an anomaly though, that, though the flick was nominated for 9 Oscar categories, it only won in one. (Jackson & Merlock, 2006) The only plausible rationale for this discrepancy between its legendary status and lack of formal perception by the Academy is that the film was way ahead of its time. The film pioneered and engendered so many facets of the filmmaking process that it took several years for members of the Academy to warm up to its accomplishments. This strain will focus on the cinematography of the film and highlight how it contri scarcelyes to and enhances the overall cinematic excellence. The opening sequence of the film shows the funeral of the iconic American media baron Charles value Kane in his isolated residence in the monumental Xanadu. What follows is a10 minute obituary in the form of a newsreel that encompasses all the key moments in the life of the with child(p) man. Beginning with his chil dhood in the rural American wilderness, the newsreel traces how much wealth and power Kane was able to acquire during his peak. This newsreel sequence is one of the most original and splendiferous in the history of cinema. The serious yet authoritative voice of the newsreel narrator ebb and flow in-tune with the events of Charles Kanes life. The intonation, irony and subtle humour of this voiceover is executed to perfection. twin(a) this aural perfection is the visuals, which are some of the best montages ever assembled. The pace of the montage arrangement is brisk and the thrusts are short and crisp. The sequencing of these shots adheres to a musical rhythm, which is once again in tune with the rhythmic oration in the voiceover. What is striking active this montage is its visual display of power either political or economic. The shots of elephants and horses airlifted to the cloak-and-dagger zoo in Xanadu are forever etched in the mind. It is difficult to lose the symbolism of power in air-lifting one of the biggest mammals in the planet. Likewise, the birds eye view of the sprawling Xanadu is a visual illustration of Kanes wealth. When the voiceover narrates how politically influential Kane was, his image is embedded into a standard German propaganda shot of Hitler waving to a crowd. This is one of the earlier implementation of morphing and overlapping two discrete visuals into one shot. In the context of the film, not only was it humorous but also serves to illustrate the kind of political influence that Charles Kane wielded in his pomp. One of the most referenced scenes in the movie, illustrating Welles and cinematographer Gregg Tolands use of deep-focus photography is the one about the childhood of young Charles Foster Kane. So much has been its impact that, After Citizen Kane Deep focus photography became widespread, especially in the so-called film noir films of the chase decade. Welles audaciously effective idea of combining miniatures with ful l scale settings in sweeping camera moves harkens back to 1930s The Bat Whispers, photographed by Ray June, ASC for Roland West. The Kane visuals also absorb much in common with those of Mad Love (1935). It is evident that Toland originated some of the ideas that Welles utilized so perfectly, and that Walker and Dunn also influenced Welles. The collaboration of unit cheat director Perry Ferguson was even stronger than is usual between director, cinematographer and designer. Ferguson worked closely throughout with Welles in