Critique: Technological Innovations in "Citizen Kane" Directed by Orsen Welles.

Essay by mizzsusuUniversity, Bachelor'sB+, December 2006

download word file, 6 pages 5.0 1 reviews

Downloaded 105 times

Citizen Kane is one of the most talked about movies in the history of cinema. It was directed by War of the World genius producer Orson Welles. Shot in utmost secrecy, the film journeys the viewer throughout history to closely inspect and contemplate the life of Charles Foster Kane, a notable Newspaper tycoon, whose character is loosely based on the real life media baron William Randolph Hearst. This was Orson Welles first feature film which he was given complete freedom to pursue. He produced it, directed it, co-wrote it as well as acted as the main role, and it proved to be one of the most influential and talked about films of the century.

The film starts off with Kane dying in his estate after uttering his last words 'Rosebud' (which became a public enigma, and top movie quote of all time). This is what the plot is loosely based on, the mystery behind this last word and a reporter's (Thompson) assignment of discovering its basis.

He goes about interviewing all those who were close to Kane, including his friends, relatives and business partners. It is revealed to the reporter as well as the audience that Kane lead a tragic life, one filled with corruption, greed as well as lost innocence and compassion. Kane was abandoned by his parents after he becomes heir to a vast fortune. He then built himself up by establishing the largest and most influential American newspaper chain. His eventful life includes his marriage to the president's niece, his campaigning for presidency which was spoiled by his opposition's scandalous revelation about his mistress and his on going affair. His failed marriage lead to him marrying his mistress and unsuccessfully trying to establish her as an opera singer. His journey ends with his self inflicted exile...