Citizen Kane’s cinematography might not be something of stunning beauty: it is of enormous intrigue. It’s possible to watch Citizen Kane and never notice the framing of Charles Foster Kane, or, if you are observant, you’ll notice it in nearly every scene. The older Kane gets, and the more the film progresses, Kane is increasingly seen framed within a frame within a frame. The fact Kane is too frequently shot within a doorway, in front or behind a window, or between any other frame, makes it too obvious it’s more than just a coincidence. Although the instances are many and frequent, I’d like to share some of my favourite shots.

The very beginning of Charles Kane’s story sees Kane (as a child) framed in a window. As his parents sign him away, he is seen playing in the distance. This is not only an example of meticulous framing, but also of the deep focus which Citizen Kane is famous for (among other things).

Here is an example where there are two frames within the scene, breaking up the space and separating Kane and Leland to forebode the tension soon to come. First they are seen separated and framed by the top and bottom segments of a window, and then framed by two separate windows.

This one is possibly my favourite of all. Here Kane can be seen dancing in the reflection of a window as a conversation takes place. The camera constantly cuts between alternating views of Kane’s dancing, and Kane’s reflection, each time he is shown positioned in the middle of the discussion.

The following shot is framing Kane and Leland at the height of their tension. Notice how Kane is framed with posters of his name, a representation of Kane’s power and psyche.

Although this shot does not frame Kane directly, the use of depth of field and framing is still heavily used. Bernstein seen in the far background within his own frame, breaks up the foreground, framing and separating Kane and Leland. Kane is instead framed within the light and Leland within the architecture.

As Kane’s story draws to a conclusion, the use of framing intensifies. Xanadu is filled with the most exotic and elaborate frames, and characters are seen within echoes of frames. Here Susan Kane is seen leaving and is framed by many doors and designs. Shortly after Kane is seen in the distance through many alcoves.

The final shot of Kane seen in the film is the following, and it speaks volumes on the use of frames. Kane walks though the corridor (directly after the above shot) and is seen walking past some framed mirrors, the effect being:

And that is the final shot of Charles Foster Kane. The use of framing Kane inside a frame closes him off from everyone around him. It’s also key to consider how the story is told, other peoples retelling of memories of Kane, but the truth is his truth, and the meaning of his final words, is trapped within himself and the confinements of his world.

Although Kane is the character placed within a fame most, there are many other occurrences with other characters. Here are a few of my favourites:  Sarah seen in a mirror (with many photos around it within frames), and a shot from the bar, showing three characters each within their own frame.

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