Films/DVD Asylum

It was based on William Randolph Hearst.

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Revolver66

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In Reply to: Re: Interesting thoughts. I can understand both points of view... posted by RGA on December 14, 2005 at 23:38:17:

Shakespeare? You should go farther back than that for any themes of tragedy/catharsis. You're accusing one of ripping off something which has already been stolen.

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Re: It was based on William Randolph Hearst. - RGA 10:25:12 12/15/05 (3)
Hearst yes sorry...but many great men in American history are viewed great by their dollar collection. I mean henry Ford is often sighted as a "great man" in American History --- pretty bankrupt group of people to call him "great"
Shakespeare's ideas go back to nearly the very first plays - The difference is Shakespeare did it way better than what preceded it and it can be argued has done it better than what has come after.
Kane's main fame to glory is cinematography as setting standards(which I'm told it didn't but that's another debate). This claim to fame rests on spectacle issues of movie making and with the technological advancements you gotta have more than visuals. If Rosebud speaks to audiences then the film will speak to you and it will last in your heart and mind. If you saw it coming a mile down the road and felt Kane deserved what he got and tough luck as I did then it's not going to hold much resonance. heck for that I could watch "A Christmas Carol" also a better film.
- Re: It was based on William Randolph Hearst. - Revolver66 11:12:34 12/15/05 (2)
  *Hearst yes sorry...but many great men in American history are viewed great by their dollar collection. I mean henry Ford is often sighted as a "great man" in American History --- pretty bankrupt group of people to call him "great"*
  THERE lies the crux of Kane. Did he become spritually bankrupt in his pursuit of material objects? Are WE bankrupt, the people who elevate people like Kane in the first place? If these lines are blurred, then where is the catharsis? It doesn't end with the sled for what does THAT represent, a continuation of the same pursuit or a renewal? As the audience we don't know. Kane's dream-like walk at the end in front of the mirror where several "Kanes" come into view underscores this thematic concern. Great cinema...
  - Re: It was based on William Randolph Hearst. - RGA 15:48:38 12/17/05 (1)
    Ok I discussed this with a literature PHD student who brought up some intriguing points starting with what you note that WE are the ones who elevate such people to greatness and therein lies our (America's) fundamental problem.
    It could also be argued that the off putting cinematography was intended to do just that and have Kane presented in "off" angles. I shall give the film another go when I get some time.
    Sometimes a film just needs to be seen for it to work for me. A Clockwork Orange I gave no stars to on first view and it now sits number 2 on my all time viewed list. Kane is already way better than my first Clockwork Vieiwing.
    - Re: It was based on William Randolph Hearst. - Revolver66 07:40:05 12/19/05 (0)
      *I shall give the film another go when I get some time*
      Excellent. Post again with a specific scene in Kane that worked or didn't work for you. Same with Clockwork. I would like to discuss.
      I find the discussion of specific scenes helps most in understanding films as a whole.

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