The YouTube video attached below is very informative on how the film Citizen Kane (Welles, 1941) utilizes many of the techniques we have learned about in class. In particular, it explains how different and advanced the uses of lighting, cinematography, and camera placement were by comparing the decisions of Welles to those of filmmakers who came before him.

Prior to the film, lighting was almost always used only out of necessity to ensure that the characters and sets were visible, but Welles and his team instead used light to create meaning. Additionally, the film was monumental in the introduction of deep-focus cinematography. At the time, films were always shot with shallow focus, meaning that the background would almost always be out of focus. In Citizen Kane, however, the entire frame would remain in focus rather than just the actors, allowing for more creativity and utilization of mise-en-scene. Lastly, the use of camera placement was also very unique. Rather than maintaining the reserved style of the period, Welles offered the audience impossible viewpoints, like placing the camera on/below the floor, and rather than using shot-reverse shot close-ups, he often used wide shots and long, continuous takes. He also used the blocking of characters to help progress through different shots, a technique never seen before.

With this analysis and understanding in mind, the brilliance of Welles is extremely clear, and it becomes obvious why Citizen Kane is regarded as one of the best and most influential films of all time. For this reason, it is a valuable watch for the entire class.