Film Studies Daily Log

Thursday, May 13

Students wrote one or two sentences saying what they thought was the central theme of Citizen Kane. Most students felt it concerned the illusive naature of pursuing happiness by accumulating material wealth -- i.e., things.

On this basis, we examined the importance of things in conveying the film's meanings, or stated differently, the critical importance of mise en scene in the work. We looked closely at the opening sequence of the movie, starting with NO TRESPASSING and ending with "Rosebud."

Next we examined the same scene in a different way: in terms of the sound track. Students now defined what they considered the central musical themes of the film, and we ended with a rousing chorus of the Rosebud theme. Oh no, that's right -- we agreed to begin Friday's class with that.

HW:
Single element analysis due a week from Monday (May 24).