Me and Orson Welles

Now that we've finished Citizen Kane I thought I'd share this film clip from the film Me and Orson Welles which comes out later this year. The film was directed by Richard Linklater who we spoke about earlier this year and stars Zac Efron as an up and coming actor that works with Welles in the early days in theater.

Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane sélectionné dans Cinéma et Ciné Documentaire

Citizen Kane
Due: Tuesday April 22
The paper should be two pages.

In this paper you should explore the making of Citizen Kane and how it reflects upon the film. What was your reaction to the film? Orson Wells adapted the life of William Randolf Herst and mixed it with his own to create the title character. What do you think about the character of Kane? What about the supporting characters? Critique the cinematography and technical aspects of the film- how do they support the film? What about the film was groundbreaking in cinema? Do you agree with its place in the “film canon” or do you think it’s overhyped? Use the nine different elements of film we discussed in the last project and use them to critique the film.

In order to support your criticism you must site scenes from the films. If you base any of your information on outside sources (including the internet) you must include a bibliography. You may also use films that you have seen outside of class to help discuss these works. If you have any specific questions please ask me or e-mail me at the school (tneedles@smithtown.k12.ny.us)

Orson Welles: the man, the myth, the brain

I hope everyone learned something about William Randolf Hearst and Orson Welles this week. Here's a clip of the classic Pinky and the Brain reference to Citizen Kane (of course the Brain is based mostly on Welles). Have a great vacation!