Citizen Kane, Film Analysis

Citizen Kane experienced several cinematic advances, along with it incorporating the extended use of 'Deep Focus,' a technique that went on to be the film's and the artist's most significant contribution to the art of cinematography. Deep focus referred to the technique of distinctly capturing all the elements of the frame, including the background, which was in focus throughout, as compared to having in focus only the actors, people and the foreground. The technique demanded the cinematographer to amalgamate lighting, composition, saturation, and the type of camera lens in use, in order to create the desired effect in producing the required visual imagery.

With deep focus, a filmmaker can showcase overlapping actions, and mise-en-scène (the physical environment in which a film takes place) becomes more critical. During the usage of deep focus, an effective manipulation of the mise-en-scène will ensure clarity of thought while actively engaging the entire space on frame. Returning to the masterpiece Cititzen Kane, deep focus seems most effective in scenes that depict Kane's loss of control and his personal isolation. It allows the audience to form a clear view of the space Kane commands, as well as the space over which he has no power. Citizen Kane's cinematographer, Gregg Toland, had shown us glimpses of the use of Deep Focus on his previous project, the film, The Long Voyage Home, although Citizen Kane marked the first time it was used so extensively and or effectively. In addition, Citizen Kane introduced Hollywood to other cinematic techniques that went on to be considered as strong storytelling techniques. For example, a technique known as the "wipe," where one image is "wiped" off the screen by another, was prevalent in the film.

Welles's chosen Mercury Theatre cast was an asset to the film and vital to the success of techniques like deep focus. These cast members were classically trained theatrical actors, and none had ever made a movie before Welles brought them to Hollywood. Their stage training, rather than being overpowering, helped them to place themselves firmly in each scene, which complements the use of deep focus.

Welles's achievements in this film marked a new direction in cinema. Many critics argue that Citizen Kane, with its inventive use of lighting and shadow, is the first film noir, or at least the direct predecessor of noir, a genre that employs