Multiple narrators tell he story of Charles Foster Kane's life. We see his life in a newsreel format, in Thatcher's memoirs, and as told by Bernstein, Leland, Susan Alexander, and even Raymond, the butler. What is the point of telling the story in this way? Does each narrator give a specific "spin" or have a particular bias? Does each see a distinctive aspect of Kane's personality? Is each section told in a different way, utilizing different techniques of filming (such as camera angles, deep focus, lighting, or even choice of music)? What" bang for our buck" do we get from this jigsaw narration? Is it equal to or greater than the sum of its parts?
In the 1941 film, Citizen Kane directed by and starring Orson Welles, the structure of the narrative jumps back and forth throughout his life through many different perspectives. This film is about the life of a man named Charles Foster Kane. The film takes place after his death and focuses on a journalist who goes around to different important members of Charles’ and through many different perspectives, it pieces together to create this movie that tells his life story. The structure of this movie is unusual for 1941 and for now, using six different narrators, but through this structure, we see how various members of his life saw him. Using this abnormal narrative structure with six different narrators prevents the viewers from having a typical omniscient perspective, rather their perspective aligns with the knowledge of each narrator. The goal of the journalist, which is carried over to the goal of the viewer, is to learn about the life of Charles Foster Kane. By using this structure we see almost all of the different aspects of his personality, from his need for love from the public to his abusive side towards his second wife. This film shows him being taken from his parents, leading to us slowly discovering his need to be loved by everyone, where he can’t accept anyone leaving him. This odd film structure allowed the viewers to slowly discover different aspects of his personality and the causes. The difference in the perspectives of the ones in his life shows how his personality changes and develops over time.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Charles Foster Kane is told through the perspective of many of his peers. It analyzes his life story, allowing the viewers to better understand his character. This combination of narration creates a more powerful film and builds depth to his personality. Through Thatcher’s narration, we learn about a more traditional view of Kane’s life, showing the more public side of Kane. Through Bernstein’s perspective, someone who idolizes Kane, we see his personality and positive traits. Leland initially admires Kane, but later reveals that Kane is unethical and has controversial morals. Susan Alexander provides the audience with an insight into Kane’s relationships and his emotional struggles. Raymond, the butler, gives the viewers a private window into Kane’s life. Each narrator adds bias to their interpretation of the story of Kane’s life, allowing the viewers to gain a more complete understanding.
ReplyDeleteThe different film techniques used in the different narratives provide distinction and engaging details as well. For example, in Bernstein’s narration, many of the camera angles are low angles, demonstrating his reverence towards Kane. The use of deep focus, lighting, and music also help to separate each narrative from the rest. By utilizing these techniques, the viewers are more immersed in the film.
The combination of these different perspectives and techniques creates a more powerful film than without them. The different perspectives provide insight into different aspects of his life, from his public appearance to his private relationships. Also, the use of multiple film techniques helps to give viewers a more engaging experience. The combination of these different elements creates a film that allows the viewers to gain a better understanding of Kane’s life and his character development.