I’m working on a film exercise and need support to help me learn.
Citizen Kane, consistently rated the greatest movie of all time, this film has inspired many a debate. You will need to watch the film and then answer the following questions.
Note: I want you to be honest about how you feel. This is about what YOU think and feel not what you have been told to think or feel. Please be sure to tell me WHY. Use SPECIFIC examples from the film to back up your opinion. There are MANY moments from the film. Citizen Kane – Orson Welles
NOTE: The film is available to anyone with an HBO Max subscription for no additional charge.
QUESTION : A
1. Given what you have learned so far about camera angles and techniques, what is a moment or scene that really stood out to you as an excellent example of Orson Welles using the CAMERA to tell the story?
For example: In the opening shot, it’s a slow tilt, there is creepy music, it’s very dark , there’s a No Trespassing sign and a lot of chain link fence. Instantly, as the audience, I feel I am not welcome in this home or space…and I think it might be a horror movie about vampires….
2. Several major film critics talk about how STYLE supersedes CONTENT in Citizen Kane. Is there a moment where the awe of the technology cut you off from the emotion of the story? BE SPECIFIC.
For example: The wide shot when Kane walks in the room to speak with his 2nd wife, she is putting jigsaw puzzles together and their voices echo in the vastness of this mansion. It seems really weird that they would purposely be that far apart from each other and literally have to yell across the room.
3. How large a part did the elements of Mise en Scene play into this film? Where were the moments in the film that you could clearly see the “storytelling” at work? Choose one very specific example to explain your choice. ***Remember, mise en scene refers to the scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. It DOES NOT refer to acting or camera work.
For example: In the breakfast sequence, where we see a medium shot of Kane sitting with his first wife at the breakfast table – we immediately notice how young and in love and close they are to each other – but by the end, they look decidedly older, have stopped talking to each other and are sitting further apart. I thought it was a brilliant use of blocking from the director to help us see the transition of time in their relationship – and then to see her reading the Chronicle at the end…what !
4. After watching the critical analyses, with whom do you agree more, Robert McKee or Michael Aranda? What is a quote from one of the analyses that really exemplifies this for you?
5. Overall, what did you learn from watching this film? How does it apply to you? What is your takeaway? (This is not about plot, this is about the “moral” or “lesson” if there is one.)
QUESTION : B
Please THOROUGHLY answer each of these questions about your favorite film:
1. What is your favorite film? What makes you love this film? (Is it because it makes you laugh? Does it make you cry? Is it nostalgia, etc.?) What makes this film great and why should we watch it if we haven’t? How is this film unique?
2. What is the SINGLE best camera shot in this film? What is the shot, composition and angle of the shot? You MUST include either a screenshot or a YouTube clip with a time stamp. Why do you think this shot works better than any other possible shot?
3. Pick one scene from the film where the visual storytelling is at its best. You MUST include a screenshot or a YouTube clip with a time stamp. How does this scene use the blocking of actors, color, elements of mise-en-scène (set, lighting, costumes, props, etc.) to help communicate new information and/or help tell the story?
4. What did the critics think of this film? Do you believe the critics are right or wrong? Why? Why should other people watch this film?
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