Analysis Of Citizen Kane

It is no doubt that Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, defies the conventional style of classic Hollywood films. Introducing a variety of new techniques and cinematography that was unheard of at that time, the advanced camera work, different lighting techniques and use of mise-en-scene, helped fortify several very definitive themes in the film. Being removed from his secure, comfortable childhood home at a young age, it is no secret that Charles Foster Kane carried the unresolved feelings with him as he continued to grow up, seeing as he had to deal with being taken from his own mother and father, and learn how to cope with having been stripped of the family love and assurance he had always longed for. Rather than having the guaranteed

Unable to form actual meaningful relationships with the people and community around him, Kane’s character began to cripple with traits of arrogance and selfishness, as well as extreme views that he began to force onto others. It can be argued that throughout the film, Kane traps himself within the borders of individualism, despite his aspiration to not only want to be loved by someone but also receive that love in return. Being an American means being able to have the freedom of expression and be able to express your individualism, but when it becomes so overpowering, one, such as Charles Foster Kane, can be overcome by arrogance and

The camerawork creates a specific shot where a young Charles Kane can be seen from this small window, all while Mrs. Kane is negotiating with Mr. Thatcher and ultimately signing off to send her only son to Chicago in order to live a life that provides him with more opportunities. Appearing only in this small space, it can interpreted that Kane is being boxed into the fate his mother is deciding for him, almost as if he were a package being shipped off somewhere, rather than a human being with thoughts and feelings towards situations. This same idea can be identified yet again, years later once Kane grows into his wealth and begins building up the Inquirer to become a successful newspaper. Kane’s individualism clearly contributes to his victory of doing this, seeing as though he rejected any guidance from his guardian Mr. Thatcher and went off on his own tangent, putting his wealth towards something that would satisfy only himself. While celebrating this success during the party scene, a reflection of Kane singing and dancing with the performers is displayed in the window right between Mr. Bernstein and Mr. Leland while Jedediah declares his concern that this recent success is going to go right to Mr. Kane’s head and the industry will end up changing him for the worse. This scene makes it clear to the audience that Kane’s isolation