Orson Welles's Citizen Kane: A Casebook (Casebooks in Criticism) [Paperback]

James Naremore (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 019515892X | ISBN-13: 978-0195158922 | Publication Date: July 22, 2004

Citizen Kane is arguably the most admired and significant film since the advent of talking pictures. No other film is quite so interesting from both artistic and political points of view. To study it even briefly is to learn a great deal about American history, motion-picture style, and the literary aspects of motion-picture scripts. Rather than presenting a sterile display of critical methodologies, James Naremore has gathered a set of essays that represent the essential writings on the film. It gives the reader a lively set of critical interpretations, together with the necessary production information, historical background, and technical understanding to comprehend the film's larger cultural significance. Selections range from the anecdotal --Peter Bogdanovich's interview with Orson Welles--to the critical, with discussions on the scripts and sound track, and a discussion of what accounts for the film's enduring popularity. Contributors include James Naremore, Peter Bogdanovich, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Robert L. Carringer, Fran�ois Thomas, Michael Denning, Laura Mulvey, Peter Wollen, and Paul Arthur.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'an uplifting study.' Peter Lambert, TLS

About the Author

James Naremore is Chancellors' Professor of English & Communication and Culture at Indiana University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019515892X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195158922
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive commentary on the greatest movie ever, May 27, 2009

By 

Daniel Killman "Daniel Killman" (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orson Welles's Citizen Kane: A Casebook (Casebooks in Criticism) (Paperback)

As a "student" of this film for many years, I of course had to give this a try, though I've read many other analysis articles and books before on the greatest film of all times, which CITIZEN KANE definitely is. What makes this book different and really enjoyable is that Naramore, the editor, compiles various articles/essays that look at KANE from different perspectives and concentrating on different aspects of it.

To me, the most interesting chapters were an interview with Orson Welles conducted by Peter Bogdonovich (very revealing) and another, a detailed history by Robert Carringer of all the many drafts of the screenplay showing how the story concept evolved over time. Of course, there is also a commentary by Naramore himself on the style and meaning of the film that is definitely worth reading as well. But having mentioned these three, let me say that the entire package is a great read.

If you're as great a fan of this film as I am, I think this is the best and most comprehensive look at it that you can find. After reading, as can be predicted, I had to get the DVD out and see KANE yet again - and did. It's great when, though you can't count the number of times you've seen a favorite film, something like this book comes along to give you new reasons to see it one more time.