Citizen Kane (1942)

Kane's character is that of a man who craves not only control but the desire to be loved by not only close piers but that of everyone.

In some aspects Kane’s character is that of a tragic hero who’s pride and need for total control ultimately lead to him pushing away everyone he holds close and in the end leading him to die alone. The strength of such pride perhaps best shown in which he attacks companies in which he holds great shares in as a means to wound Thatcher- the man he perceives to be to blame for his materialistic success which even with cant bring him what he desires most. Although through out we are given example after example of Kane’s flaws and how they destroy the lives of the people around him Welles creates a story in which we feel pity and empathy for the tragedies that befall Kane perhaps due to the fear of loneliness being something that as an audience we can all relate to. Welles use of Kane’s vast art and statue collection whilst exemplifying his constant and ever consuming greed for power and influence further emphasis just how alone he is. Welles use of camera angles to manipulate height of characters as well as shadow and light are pivotal in conveying shift of influence between Kane and his peers. This was particularly noticeable in the scene in which Getty blackmails Kane- who goes from being the smallest person in the room to towering over the other characters as he takes back authority of the situation.