Orson Wells - 3937 Words

Orson Welles: The Man, the Myth†¦ the Communist? â€Å"One of the most promising artists of our day,† â€Å" One of the most accomplished dramatic artists of the twentieth century, â€Å" and â€Å"A major creative force and ultimate auteur,† were all praises and titles from major media moguls, publications, and critics given to Orson Welles. Not too shabby for someone who hasn’t even turned thirty yet, eh? Right out of the gate Welles proved to be an innovative and artistic force that could hold its own, and even surpass, the heavy hitters of his day. His career seemed to be on a steady incline for almost a decade; however, did his talent and work hit a plateau? Welles was always seen as an active political figure that was not afraid to voice or project†¦show more content†¦In 1941 it eventually became Citizen Kane, Welles’s first feature film and also his most famous and honored role (â€Å"Orson† 8). The film was well received, by almost all critics, and not only did it gain nine Ac ademy Award nominations, but it is also hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. His second film for RKO, The Magnificent Ambersons, also received several nominations, including Best Picture (â€Å"Orson† 9). All of these endeavors would build Orson Welles to a status of high fame and reputation that expanded just the boarders of the United States. Why then just a few years later does Welles leave the country and his opportunities in Hollywood to live in Europe for the next several years of his life? According to Joseph McBride’s What Ever Happened to Orson Welles? A Portrait of an Independent Career, Welles incurred the wrath of right-wing publisher William Randolph Hearst for not only his radio, theatre, and film work, but also his personal and political stances as well. Attacking Hearst and all that he represented within the American ruling elite, in McBride’s words, brought down the wrath of a whole powerful network of right-wing Communist-hunters, including the FBI, the Dies Committee, and the American Legion, all of which were allied with and supported by the vociferously anti-red publisher (McBride 45). Welles’s inability to get a picture off the ground began when heShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Orson Wells Citizen Kane1388 Words   |  6 PagesOrson Wells Citizen Kane (1941), is remembered as one of the greatest American films to be made. Its’ revolutionary story line and its new ideas that Orson Welles introduces in the film is what sets it apart from other films created at the time. The film depicts a young man, Charles Kane, who grew up wealthy and who eventually owns a newspaper. Throughout the movie, as hr grows more wealthy and powerful as he ages, he exhibits a distinct weakness that eventually leads to his downfall. Although theRead MoreAnalysis Of The Film Citizen Kane By Orson Wells1303 Words   |  6 PagesIntro I have chosen to use an extract from the film ‘Citizen Kane’, directed by Orson Wells (1941) for this assignment. The technical aspects I have chosen to explore will be the use of both mise-en-scene and editing. Synopsis The clip I have selected from Citizen Kane is a montage scene that shows the protagonist Charles Foster Kane eating breakfast with his wife Emily. The scene is presented in the form of a narrative exposition from the mind of Jedediiah Leland, who is the ex business partnerRead More Citizen Kane By Orson Wells Essay779 Words   |  4 Pagesis one of the greatest films ever made. Orson Wells, at age 25, directed, produced, and starred in this film. Citizen Kane is a memorable film for countless reasons. The film brought about controversy because it fictionalized the life of William Randolph Hearst, a powerful newspaper publisher. The film draws remarkable parallels with his life and his relationship with his mistress. There is also speculation that the film is loosely based on Wells’ life as well. This movie tells the fascinating storyRead MoreOrson s Citizen Kane : The Blackmail Scene1270 Words   |  6 PagesRebecca McKenney Introduction to Cinema Mr. Leigh 30 October 2017 Orson Well’s Citizen Kane: The Blackmail Scene â€Å"â€Å"There’s only one person in the world to decide what I’m going to do – and that’s me.†Ã¢â‚¬  – Charles Foster Kane from Citizen Kane Script by Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles. Orson Welles’ 1941 classic, Citizen Kane, tells the story of a man named Charles Foster Kane. The turning point of the film is where Jim Gettys attempts to blackmail Kane. The scene demonstratesRead MoreThe Civil Rights Achievements Of The Famous African American Actor, Canada Lee1333 Words   |  6 Pagesbackground as a jockey, boxer, and a musician would set the stage for a major acting career in theater and in Hollywood. More importantly, Lee would use his fame as an actor to promote racial equality through the support of Hollywood magnates, such as Orson Wells, and through the theatrical/literary guidance of Langston Hughes. Lee would be become known for his role in Lifeboat (1944) by Alfred Hitchcock, but he would also get other roles in throughout this historical period. These successes as an actorRead More`` Declaration Of Principles `` By Charles Foster Kane904 Words   |  4 Pagesthis declaration of principles Kane states he will not with hold anything from his re aders and be truthful. Kane believes that with being honest that he will earn the readers trust when other newspapers are hiding the true details from them. Orson Wells leads the audience to believe that Kane craves this attention and desire for worship due to his childhood. Kane was forced to leave home at a young age to pursue better opportunities as an adult. One evening on his way to find his youth KaneRead More Movie Essays - Shakespeares Henry Plays - A Comparative Study of Falstaff on Film1192 Words   |  5 Pagesway the production will be taken by the audience as the treatment of Falstaff is directly related to the understanding of the character of Prince Hal (later Henry V). Kenneth Branaghs Henry V, the BBC versions of parts one and two of Henry IV, and Orson Welles amalgamation Chimes at Midnight all show Falstaff in different lights, producing three different takes, not only on the character himself, but also on the interpretation of Prince Hal, and the entire workings of the production. In theRead MoreCitizen Kane : Fice Of The Inquirer And Somewhere On The Property Of Xanadu1212 Words   |  5 Pagesthe office is empty but for Mr. Kane and Mr. Leland. The office is a solemn and almost depressing place after Mr. Kane’s defeat in the election, just like one may expect after an almost sure victory somehow turned into defeat. In Citizen Kane Orson Welles does a wonderful job of picking out settings and filling them with things that not only enhance the atmosphere of the scene or shot, but also with things that match the time period and makes sense in the grand scheme of the movie. LightingRead MoreThe Role Of Leland Was Played Orson Welles Life Long Friend1306 Words   |  6 PagesThe role of Jedediah Leland was played Orson Welles’ life-long friend, Joseph Cotten, well-known as a stage, radio, television, and film actor. Beginning acting in the 1920s, Cotten later teamed up with Orson Welles at the Mercury Theater in the 1930s, where the collaboration would bring him stardom. Cotten’s acting style was intense, soft-spoken, and chivalrous with a trace of a Southern drawl mixed in. His height, combined with his wavy-haired looks, unconventional features made him perfect toRead MoreEssay on Orson Welles942 Words   |  4 Pages Orson Welles nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The term genius was applied to him from the cradle, first by the man who would vie with Orsons father to nurture the talent all agreed resided in the fragile boy.(Leaming, 3) nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;George Orson Welles was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on May 6, 1915. He was the second son of Richard Head Welles, an inventor, and his wife Beatrice Ives, a concert pianist. His mother was the child of a wealthy family. She had been brought up to revere