Kane essays are due Wednesday, December 18th; sorry for the mix-up, but all my essays in other classes are due that day, so that date is engraved in my mind as a big day for essay collecting, thus I decided to make all essay collecting on the same day: December 18th, Wednesday.
Essay Requirements:
- MLA
- formal voice
- 2 pages
- Double-spaced
- A clear thesis(your clear and specific understanding of the meaning of the film) with clear POA points
- Structure is more open--it does not have to be in a five paragraph essay format, but if that is more comfortable for you, then you can structure it as follows:
Kane Character Analysis: Consider discussing several of the following elements: Kane's influences, motivations, desires, fears, relationships with others and connect these elements to the overall meaning of the film. Be sure to include quotations from the film in your character analysis paper.
Kane Device Paper: Discuss how Welles uses at least three different film techniques to enhance the meaning of the film. Be sure to specifically describe the effect of each technique.
How to begin?
In such a short paper of this nature, briefly start broad, either relating to your argument--perhaps a general statement about tycoons and their relationship in society or possibly you wish to begin with commentary on Citizen Kane that relates to your argument. In a few sentences quickly relate to your argument and then move into your thesis.
Body Paragraphs In Character Analysis:
Provide two to three thorough examples per point (include quotes for added depth and support when you can)
Body Paragraphs in Film Analysis:
If possible, try to provide two examples of one shot type and how Welles enhances the meaning of the film through the two different scenes using that same shot type.
For example: Welles uses the "Deep Focus Shot" in both the scene with Charles Foster Kane as a boy sledding outside while his parents discuss his adoption inside.
The same shot type is used again with Kane numerous times throughout the movie:
Same with this shot (While it doesn't have Kane in it, the scene still reveals something about the man Kane was): 
Your paper will have more depth if you can provide two examples of each shot type. You can find tons of shot types by typing in the shot type and the title of the film.
Character Analysis Body Paragraphs:
This is your standard essay format if you so desire. Topic sentence with POA. Then provide two to three examples of how Kane reveals that trait and connect it to the as McElliott says MOAWAAW (meaning of a work as a whole).
Conclusion in film paper:
- Why does the art of film-making matter in a movie like this? How does the art of film-making contribute to the meaning of a movie of this magnitude? If the innovative film techniques weren't present, would this film be considered "One of the greatest movies of all time"?
Conclusion in Character Analysis:
- How are viewers' lives affected by the meaning of this movie? How does the life Charles Foster Kane led and the realization of his life at the film's end lend meaning to our own lives?
Most of all, be creative and have fun (seriously)!
Ms. Johnson
