Citizen Kane - Module B
2013 HSC question
Explore how time and place are used in Welles’ Citizen Kane to shape the audiences understanding of the nature of ego. In your response make a detailed reference to the film
Citizen Kane is Orson Welles dramatic portrayal of the devastating effects of one mans obsessive egotistical drive for notoriety which steadily isolates him over time. Through the use of time and place, the film shows the changes and effects of Kane’s ego throughout his life. From his childhood, to the height of his ego and later to its decline and the negative affects these had on Kane.
The separation from his mother during childhood tremendously impacted on Kane’s ego. During his childhood, Kane was taken by Thatcher, which resulted in him being separated from his mother. Deep focus is used in the shot where Kane is playing happily outside whilst the adults discuss his future. This techniques awards power to the audience as they choose where they look, however the placement of Kane’s mother in the foreground indicates her importance and her actions to send her son away. This scene highlights Mrs Kane’s role in sending her son away as it left him feeling unloved and abandoned, motivating him to prove his worth and importance to everyone in the future. Kane’s separation from his mother, led to him being raised by Thatcher who saw Kane for his business potential and not in a loving way, also impacting on Kane as he isn’t fond of Thatcher as reflected in his actions, when he sends a letter to him that “I think it would be fun to run a newspaper”. This casual remark marks the start of Kane’s growing ego, as he is confident that he has enough money, and doesn’t need to take his career too seriously. This turning point in his ego was due to his need to annoy Thatcher due to his dislike of him from taking him away from his mother. This demonstrates that the events of Kane’s disrupted childhood played an important role in Kane’s obsessive egotistical drive.
During the height
Explore how time and place are used in Welles’ Citizen Kane to shape the audiences understanding of the nature of ego. In your response make a detailed reference to the film
Citizen Kane is Orson Welles dramatic portrayal of the devastating effects of one mans obsessive egotistical drive for notoriety which steadily isolates him over time. Through the use of time and place, the film shows the changes and effects of Kane’s ego throughout his life. From his childhood, to the height of his ego and later to its decline and the negative affects these had on Kane.
The separation from his mother during childhood tremendously impacted on Kane’s ego. During his childhood, Kane was taken by Thatcher, which resulted in him being separated from his mother. Deep focus is used in the shot where Kane is playing happily outside whilst the adults discuss his future. This techniques awards power to the audience as they choose where they look, however the placement of Kane’s mother in the foreground indicates her importance and her actions to send her son away. This scene highlights Mrs Kane’s role in sending her son away as it left him feeling unloved and abandoned, motivating him to prove his worth and importance to everyone in the future. Kane’s separation from his mother, led to him being raised by Thatcher who saw Kane for his business potential and not in a loving way, also impacting on Kane as he isn’t fond of Thatcher as reflected in his actions, when he sends a letter to him that “I think it would be fun to run a newspaper”. This casual remark marks the start of Kane’s growing ego, as he is confident that he has enough money, and doesn’t need to take his career too seriously. This turning point in his ego was due to his need to annoy Thatcher due to his dislike of him from taking him away from his mother. This demonstrates that the events of Kane’s disrupted childhood played an important role in Kane’s obsessive egotistical drive.
During the height