Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Cinematography/Citizen Kane. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that discusses the use of cinematography in Citizen Kane. A major component to the reputation of Orson Welles' cinematic masterpiece Citizen Kane (1941) as a historically pivotal film is its use of deep focus cinematography. Through its innovative use of cinematography, Welles succeeded at simultaneously telling the story of Charles Foster Kane, while also inviting the audience to interpret the film (Anderson). The characteristics of the cinematic look of the film lend it ambiguity and ambivalence that turn what could have been an ordinary power story into a humanistic mystery. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khcinkne.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
of cinematography, Welles succeeded at simultaneously telling the story of Charles Foster Kane, while also inviting the audience to interpret the film (Anderson). The characteristics of the cinematic look of
the film lend it ambiguity and ambivalence that turn what could have been an ordinary power story into a humanistic mystery. Using lenses and technology that was recently developed
in the 1930s, cinematographer Gregg Toland aided Welles storytelling directorial ability by composing scenes in depth (Anderson). This was a step forward due to the fact that it enabled the
director to include a great deal of more detail in the shot. For instance, there is a scene with Kane and his first wife Emily at the breakfast table. The
camera first observes from a low angle what appears to be a peaceful, harmonious domestic scene. However, above them in the vaulted ceiling there is a beam that squarely splits
the shot into segments, suggesting symbolically that there is a split between the couple (Anderson). In fact, the vaulted ceiling is suggestive of two coffin lids, implying that the marriage
is a living death (Anderson). As this illustrates, the cinematography casts a totally different meaning over the domestic tableaux. The basic plot of Citizen Kane is not extraordinary. A
wealthy man puts his emphasis on money, power and manipulation; fails at politics and his domestic life and dies friendless and alone within his grandiose home. However, the way in
which the film is constructed and photographed lends the story an air of mystery that causes the audience to ponder the nature of this man. The movie opens with
night shots of a mysterious castle, with the camera than traveling inside to show the last moments of Kanes life (Citizen Kane). Next, the audience is suddenly watching a newsreel
...