Citizen Kane: Crash Course Film Criticism

Michael Aranda introduces the analysis of Citizen Kane, a film directed by Orson Welles. The video explores the film's significance, production background, plot, themes, and technical innovations. Citizen Kane is noted for its storytelling and technical achievements, which have left a lasting impact on cinema. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding film beyond rankings, focusing on its historical and societal context.

What is the primary focus of film criticism according to the introduction?

• Ranking movies in a top 10 list

• Analyzing how a movie works within history and society

• Determining the box office success of a film

• Comparing films based on their special effects

What significant event in Orson Welles' early career helped him gain attention from Hollywood studios?

• Winning an Oscar for his first film

• His performance in a Broadway play

• Publishing a best-selling novel

• Directing and narrating 'The War of the Worlds' radio drama

What narrative technique is primarily used in Citizen Kane to tell the story?

• Chronological order

• Real-time narration

• Dream sequences

• Flashbacks through interviews

Why was Citizen Kane's initial release controversial?

• It was released without a soundtrack

• It was filmed in black and white

• It was a direct attack on a powerful media mogul

• It was banned in several countries

What is the significance of the word 'Rosebud' in Citizen Kane?

• It is the name of Kane's first love

• It is the name of Kane's mansion

• It is the name of Kane's childhood sled

• It is the name of Kane's first newspaper

Which technical innovation in Citizen Kane allowed everything in a scene to be in focus at once?

• Deep focus lenses

• CGI effects

• Color grading

• Motion capture

How did Citizen Kane's technical effects differ from modern CGI effects?

• They subtly drew viewers into the world without feeling like effects

• They were only used in action scenes

• They were less immersive

• They were more expensive to produce