Who Directed Citizen Kane?
Orson Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz co-wrote and directed the iconic film Citizen Kane in 1941. Orson Welles, a 24-year-old prodigy, made his directorial debut with this masterpiece that is often hailed as the greatest film ever made.
Alongside directing, Welles also starred in the film. Collaborating with Welles on the screenplay was Herman J. Mankiewicz, known for his wit and sharp dialogue.
Citizen Kane delves into the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, inspired by real-life media moguls such as William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. This critically acclaimed film, renowned for its innovative cinematography, editing, music, and narrative structure, has garnered numerous accolades over the years.
The Making of Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane, a cinematic masterpiece, was brought to life through the collaboration of RKO Pictures and Mercury Productions. In 1939, Orson Welles signed a contract with RKO, granting him unprecedented creative freedom over the project. This autonomy allowed Welles to develop his own story, handpick his cast and crew, and exercise final cut privilege.
After encountering a couple of setbacks with previous projects, Welles joined forces with the talented Herman J.
Mankiewicz to pen the screenplay for Citizen Kane. Principal photography commenced in 1940, and the film was eventually released in 1941. Although it received critical acclaim, the movie struggled to recoup its costs at the box office.
In spite of its initial financial disappointment, Citizen Kane would later gain renewed attention and acclaim when it was re-released in 1956.
The film caught the eye of French critics, who praised its innovative cinematography, editing, music, and narrative structure. Recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, the Library of Congress has also acknowledged Citizen Kane as a seminal work in the world of cinema.
The film’s creative success can be attributed to the exceptional talents behind the scenes. Greg Toland, the cinematographer, employed groundbreaking techniques to achieve the film’s distinctive visual style. Robert Wise, the film editor, collaborated closely with Welles to shape the narrative’s intricate structure.
Additionally, the evocative score composed by Bernard Herrmann added depth and emotion to the storytelling. Notably, Citizen Kane’s trailer itself was a work of art, employing innovative techniques that captured the attention of audiences and sparked curiosity.
Controversies and Debates
The authorship of Citizen Kane has sparked intense debates and controversies throughout the years. One prominent figure in this discussion is the renowned film critic Pauline Kael, who, in 1971, published an essay that challenged Orson Welles’ sole credit as the screenplay writer.
Kael’s essay quoted Rita Alexander, Herman J. Mankiewicz’s secretary, suggesting that Mankiewicz was the principal author of the script.
However, these claims were subsequently refuted by scholars, notably Robert L. Carringer.
In his extensive analysis of the various drafts of the screenplay, Carringer concluded that both Welles and Mankiewicz played significant roles in shaping the script. While Mankiewicz contributed to the plot logic and story contours, it was Welles who truly elevated the material through his directorial vision and innovative techniques.
The debates surrounding the authorship of Citizen Kane have given rise to discussions around the auteur theory, which emphasizes the director’s creative authority and vision.
This ongoing discourse continues to captivate both film scholars and enthusiasts, illustrating the enduring impact of Citizen Kane as a seminal work in cinematic history.
