Film Criticism | Exercise 1

Exercise 1

Decoding Rosebud

kane fruad scene

Fake News! This scene from Kane shows that it's all in how you spin it.

For this exercise, you will write a reaction essay of at least 500 words on Citizen Kane. In your essay, you should analyze the film's potential meanings and how its visual style relates to its underlying themes or narrative. Please refrain from using first-person pronouns in your writing.

Your essay should explore the connection between Citizen Kane's visual aesthetics and the nuanced themes presented in the film. Examine the film's visual language and its correlation with the narrative structure, highlighting the significance of specific stylistic choices made by director Orson Welles. You should also evaluate how these cinematic elements contribute to the overall impact and interpretation of the film.

Project Goals

  • Write a 500-word essay analyzing the movie Citizen Kane.
  • In your essay:
    • Make a case for or against the film that can be useful for your reader.
    • Present the ability to evaluate how cinematic elements contribute to the overall impact and interpretation of the film.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the studio system Orson Welles was working within during the making of the film.

Exercise Notes

Kane's Legacy

When analyzing a film, think of the filmmaker as the primary communicator. One must examine the underlying messages and intentions behind the filmmaker's creative decisions. It is important to try to uncover the specific meanings or suggestions conveyed through the visual elements and assess the film's tone, thematic direction, and emotional language.

It is also necessary to scrutinize whether the filmmaker demonstrates awareness of the implicit or explicit thematic ideas embedded in the film or remains oblivious to them. The ultimate purpose of their control should also be questioned.

Last but not least, it is essential to evaluate the moral responsibility of the film's thematic message. It is crucial to decide whether it aligns with wisdom or deviates into immorality or irresponsibility.

Here are some important pointers for how to translate your impressions as you watch the movie into a critical analysis:

Note

Exercises will be evaluated for basic proficiency in techniques and concepts covered in the lesson.

  1. Take Notes: As you watch the film, jot down your initial impressions and emotions. Were you magnetized, repulsed, or shocked? Write it down!
  2. Ask Yourself Questions: Does the film reveal something interesting about its historical moment? What does it reveal about the society in which it was made? Is the film itself propaganda?
  3. Support Your Case With Examples: Reference specific scenes and formal elements that may correlate with larger socio-political themes.
  4. Avoid First Person Writing: Using first-person language may detract from the arguments and/or viewpoints present in the writing.

 

Checklist

Grading Criteria

What your instructor is looking for:

  • Write a 500-word essay analyzing the movie Citizen Kane.
  • In your essay:
    • Make a case for or against the film that can be useful for your reader.
    • Present the ability to evaluate how cinematic elements contribute to the overall impact and interpretation of the film.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the studio system Orson Welles was working within during the making of the film.

Posting Directions

  • Once you're done, go to the Dropbox for this exercise and submit a PDF file of your written analysis.

If you have a question before sending your completed exercise for grading, send a message through Canvas to contact your instructor.

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I look forward to seeing your work!

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