Citizen Kane Extract Analysis

Cinematography

Cinematography, and the use of different shots within a scene, helps in order to engage the audience and give them a sense of what is going on within the a scene.

In the opening of citizen cane, many different camera shots have been used. First of all they have a close up of the ‘No Trespassing’ sign, and as they have used a tilt shot going upwards, it conveys the message to the audience that the character is ignoring the sign and is crossing the fence, as each shot is getting an inch closer to the light that is shown in the window, until we eventually reach the main character; Kane on the deathbed. The most common shot that has been done is a medium shot. By doing this we can clearly see what is going on within the scene and the expressions on the characters faces. One of the main close ups that are shown in this scene is used when Kane is crying. This creates a sort of enigma code, as it is the opening of the scene, and it makes the audience begin to think as to why the character is crying. Another shot that they have used is a panning shot. This shows the audience clearly what is happening within the whole scene, as in this scene we can see the globe being thrown on the floor, and smash, as he takes his last words. There was also an extreme close up on his lips, when he said the words, rose buds in order to create tension and a sort of enigma code as he makes the audience think as to why he may be saying what he said. When the camera moves side to side towards the end of the clip it shows everything going on in the scene, as the nurse folds his arms and puts the bed sheet over him. This creates tension within the scene as it conveys the message that he is someone of authority as he has his own nurse.