Citizen Kane: Part Three

Film is a visual medium. As such the power of visual images are, of course, important.

Often objects and locations are used symbolically. Characters can be used allegorically, standing in for a larger idea or concept. We often complain that some films create characters that are stereotypical - that is we know the TYPE. This does make it easier for our filmmakers to communicate IDEA and THEME quickly without having to bother with character development of EVERY character.

One way a filmmaker stresses importance is by using FREQUENCY in a story (how often an object or location appears -- or is mentioned). A filmmaker may use MISE EN SCENE or MISE EN SHOT to show important locations, items, or to suggest the juxtaposition of ideas between two things (a character and an object, for instance).

Today, as you watch Citizen Kane, be aware of frequency, mise en scene, stereotype, and objects that may be symbols or metaphors and watch for them.  Find at least one example (although you may find more than that...) and list it on the front of the index card.

The BIG intellectual question is WHY are certain shots or items or characters portrayed or shown that way? What is the director/photographer/writer trying emphasize or communicate? Also, what METAPHOR may be used and for what purpose?

On the back of your index card, suggest meaning. Why is the subject on the front of the card being shown? What's the deal? What metaphor or larger meaning is the artist(s) attempting to communicate?

Turn in your card at the end of class today.

HOMEWORK: Your second pitch project (see previous posts) are due Friday. Chop, chop. Use the character worksheet to help you flesh out potential protagonists or antagonists.

Citizen Kane: Part Deux

As you watch the film, please choose one character and watch how the camera portrays this character.

What shots are used for the character?
Where is the character often shot from during a scene?
What light effects are used in a scene to portray the character?
What kinds of transitions are used between scenes for this character?
What is the pacing like for the character in this scene?
What music or sound is used during the character's scene?
How does the actor move or talk that is distinct or unusual for this character?
How does costuming affect character?

As you watch the film, please note your observations on the index card and turn this in at the end of class for participation credit.

Pitch #2

Today, take a few minutes in the beginning of class and complete the handout for an idea for a film pitch. You will be required to write a film script (and for this purpose may choose between various film pitch assignments). Wondering what idea to come up with? This may inspire you.
As you consider an idea, take a moment to view this video (at least the first part of it). Learn this simple rule about film making (and also writing...)

Your pitch should be anywhere from 1-3 pages in length and include details about your film idea, character names, and have a beginning, middle, and end. See previous posts for advice on pitch writing.

NOTE: This is an individual assignment. Since the goal here is writing a script, not making it (at least not yet), please work alone. It is hard to enhance your script-writing abilities if you only work collaboratively.

Please read this article by Mickey Grant about making a film.

Pitch #2 is due by Friday.

Citizen Kane (day one)

As we view Citizen Kane, there are a series of important elements that can enrich our understanding of this film.

Orson Welles as Auteur:
Welles directed, wrote (partial), and starred in this film (even though it was thought he wasn't old enough to portray Kane). While Welles had direct control over the film and its look, there were other people who contributed artistically. Some of the invention and creativity of film making includes:

Camera Work:
The Deep Focus shot!
Low angle shots revealing ceilings!
Moving shots used as wipes!
Overlapping dialogue! (not original to Welles, but a trend in Screwball Comedies)
Long uninterrupted shots!
Expressionist lighting and photography!

Narrative/Special techniques:
Multiple perspective!
Flashbacks!
Aging!

motifs and themes:
The American Dream: For all of Kane's "success", he is not happy. He dies lonely, with only his "possessions" around him. Is all our striving to succeed in America an illusion?

Perspective:
The differing perspectives on Kane's life, especially in the absence of Kane's own point of view, force us to question what was truly important in Kane's life (and by extension what constitutes a life in general.) Judging by Kane's last muttered word: Rosebud, the most important pieces of his life were not the things that made him newsworthy, such as his newspaper successes and political ambitions, nor his friendships and associations. As Thompson interviews different people about Kane, we are given different perspectives on the man (some are unreliable). Odd, though, that we do not see Kane from Kane's POV.

Motifs:

• Isolation
• Materialism/Capitalism
• Old Age

Symbols:

• The Snowglobe
• Sleds
• Statues

Note: The handout given to you on Citizen Kane will be helpful to you as will the script. Please read and refer to these articles.

Here is some information about who is responsible for this film. You may find it useful for your forum post.

Director: Orson Welles
Writers: Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles (screenplay)
Cinematography by Gregg Toland

Orson Welles ... Charles Foster Kane
Joseph Cotten ... Jedediah Leland
Dorothy Comingore ... Susan Alexander Kane
Agnes Moorehead ... Mary Kane
Ruth Warrick ... Emily Monroe Norton Kane
Ray Collins ... James W. Gettys
Erskine Sanford ... Herbert Carter
Everett Sloane ... Mr. Bernstein
William Alland ... Jerry Thompson
Paul Stewart ... Raymond
George Coulouris ... Walter Parks Thatcher
Fortunio Bonanova ... Signor Matiste
Gus Schilling ... The Headwaiter
Philip Van Zandt ... Mr. Rawlston
Georgia Backus ... Bertha Anderson
Harry Shannon ... Kane's Father

Produced by Orson Welles and George Schaefer .... executive producer
Original Music by Bernard Herrmann
Film Editing by Robert Wise
Casting by Rufus Le Maire & Robert Palmer
Art Direction by Van Nest Polglase
Set Decoration by Darrell Silvera
Costume Design by Edward Stevenson
Makeup by Maurice Seiderman

You may wish to check the TRIVIA section on IMDB.com for Citizen Kane. There are quite a few interesting tidbits of trivia for trivia fans.

MCC Guests & Film Pitch

Your film pitch is due today. Please print it out and turn it in.

We will spend some time today with our guest speakers from MCC. Time and place TBA.

HOMEWORK: Please read Citizen Kane (find script link in the post below).

Student Film

Another student film (Silent Film Project):

Citizen Kane: Script Reading

For TUESDAY of next week, please read the script for Citizen Kane. You should read at least to the Thatcher Memorial Library scene in the event you do not complete the script by Tuesday. Please take careful note of the structure of a play script. You should be familiar with the way it is formatted.

HOMEWORK: Please read Citizen Kane for Tuesday, April 24.