Citizen Kane 1941

It feels like a reinventing the wheel kind of entrepreneur story, someone building power by acquiring and outmaneuvering competitors. That rise to dominance becomes the backbone of the film. Kane’s presence even reminds me of Don Corleone in how he builds and maintains his empire. There is that same aura of control and influence, someone who shapes the world around him while slowly being shaped by it too. The use of shadows on the face is really great. Whenever his face is covered in shadow, it feels like he is being left in the dark, sidelined, or overshadowed in terms of power. The film uses lighting, framing, and blocking so well to show who is in control in a scene. It actually reminded me of how Schindler’s List uses composition to express power dynamics. The film also touches on media manipulation. It shows how influence over information can be used for selfish purposes, shaping public perception to serve personal ambition. Overall, it feels like a study of power, control, and the cost of building an empire.