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.

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 a $!&@#!

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.)