English III Class Studies Classic Film Citizen Kane
by Devon Hill, OHS Torch Reporter
May 19, 2008
Mr. DeLoriea’s English III is watching Citizen Kane. Considered to be one of the best movies of all time, Citizen Kane stands the test of time.
Over his life time, Orson Welles starred, produced, and directed a number of radio and talk shows, movies, and plays. Welles was a publishing tycoon who took over the industry. He was good at capturing attention and communicating to people.
English III teacher, Mr. Bill DeLoriea, discussed how the film ties into the curriculum. “Citizen Kane is a film, English three is a course about communication, so anything that relates to media would relate to English III. Citizen Kane is a movie, often mentioned as the best movie of the last century. It is also a movie that is about someone who was important in media, William Randolf Hearst, it is also made by someone who was important in other kinds of communication media, Orson Welles, who wrote, acted in and directed the movie was successful as a director of plays and as an actor and director and producer of radio programs as well. I think that it is also important as literature and something that really ought to be studied in an English III class.”
Citizen Kane was Orson Welles' first feature film and was shot in 1941. One of the different aspects of the film was that it was filmed in black and white. Most students in 2008 only view films in color.
Citizen Kane was a building block for modern film makers. At the time, Welles used new film making techniques, like low camera angles, and many shots that put everything into focus.
The story unfolds slowly, but is dramatic and enticing. Citizen Kane’s slow plot turns into an emotional ride filled with love, hate, greed, and mystery.
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