Film Citizen Kane - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... To specify, the compositions in Citizen Kane have the frames that are split into fractions of light and darkness/shadow.  Apart from this, Welles successfully employs weird, exaggerated angles that make characters appear in a distorted way. This technique is illustrative of a typical noir movie syntax. In addition, low angle shots focus the attention on the protagonist’s physical stature, yet they contain frames that suggest restriction and confinement.  For example, Kane’s placing against low ceilings seems to diminish the character and contradict his prevailing personality (Citizen Kane). All in all, this technique helps to create a sense of claustrophobia through evident visual entrapment. This is known to be characteristic of noir thrillers as well. Last but not least, the sustained shots’ duration is also a feature of film noir genre successfully employed by Welles.In summary, Citizen Kane (1941) possesses a number of stylistic and technical elements of noir films. Its fragmented structure, narrative labyrinths, sequences of flashbacks, the quest for some truth, the presence of mystery, and cynical view of power can be considered its noir stylistic aspects.  Technical noir elements include unusual angles, contrasts of light and shadow, shots of sustained duration,  and other techniques that help to create the sense of claustrophobia and entrapment characteristic of this genre. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More