(CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE FILM AND EXPLAIN WHY THIS IS THE CASE . YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WELLES’ USE OF MICRO ELEMENTS IN YOUR ANSWER. (200 WORDS MIN))

Personally, a favourite scene taken from the film would have to be the dancing number during the first half.

 Obviously, the element of showmanship and structure in the sequence could be said to be aesthetically pleasing, but there is much more to this series of events than a musical number.  

Deep depth of field is utilised cleverly to highlight an important conversation about loyalties between Jedediah Leland and Mr. Bernstein. It is vital that the audience sees Kane, because this serves as a reminder that the conversation is deceitful due to his absence. Additionally, the juxtaposition between the hyperbolic show of which he is the centre, and the monotonous, quietly serious exchange in the same room; almost creates an illusion that there is more physical distance between the occurrences than there really is. (Due to their tonal differences) And this metaphorically mirrors the depth of field, which stereotypically displays contrasting imagery. 

There appears to be a theme of appearances vs reality throughout the story, as well as the dangers and/or worth of fame and fortune. This scene perfectly sums up these ideas; utilising the contrast between an exaggerated celebration and a suspicious, private conversation. Reminding the audience of how unnatural Kane’s life becomes, suggesting that perhaps, showmanship and performance can never be ‘real’ or serious. That there must always be an element of harsh truth in life, never plagued by a façade.