Crafting A Masterpiece: Citizen Kane and Orson Welles' Low-Budget Vision

When Orson Welles embarked on his journey to create Citizen Kane, the world of cinema was about to witness a groundbreaking achievement. Despite a modest budget and relative inexperience in the film industry, Welles managed to bring to life one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time. This article explores the unique circumstances and talented ensemble that brought Citizen Kane to stunning fruition.

The Genesis of a Genius

Orson Welles was a multifaceted talent, venturing into theater at the tender age of 16. By the time he was 22, in 1937, he had honed his skills in government-funded WPA projects and founded the Mercury Theater. This innovative ensemble was made up of the finest artists he had worked with during the WPA era, leading to the development of the Mercury Theater On the Air radio program and the infamous War of the Worlds broadcast on October 30, 1938. This event catapulted Welles to national fame and resulted in a contract with RKO Pictures.

A Vision for the Silver Screen

Welles proposed several ambitious projects to RKO, only to have them rejected. However, his persistence paid off when he sat down with Herman J. Mankiewicz to write the screenplay for what would become Citizen Kane. The project was greenlit by RKO despite initial concerns. Welles recognized the unparalleled talent he had at his disposal, having worked closely with The Mercury Theater ensemble for years. Almost all of the actors, including Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorhead, and Everett Sloane, were veterans of the Mercury Theater. Bernard Hermann, the orchestra director, was also brought in to compose the score for the film.

Unleashing Innovation on a Limited Budget

Welles was given an impressive budget of $840,000 by RKO, which was a respectable figure for a new director during that era. When compared to other films of the same year, the budgets were as follows:

The Grapes of Wrath: $800,000 The Philadelphia Story: $914,000 The Shop Around the Corner: $500,000 The Great McGinty: $300,000

Despite the challenges of a limited budget, Welles was able to leverage the extensive experience and creative prowess of his Mercury Theater group. This talented ensemble, characterized by their rich background in theater and radio, brought a level of innovation and depth to the film production that far exceeded the traditional methods of the time. The result was a cinematic masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

Orson Welles' groundbreaking work Citizen Kane stands as a testament to the power of talent, vision, and determination. From the humble beginnings of his Mercury Theater to the visionary collaboration with RKO, Welles's low-budget approach ultimately gave birth to a cinematic classic. The success of Citizen Kane not only redefined the boundaries of filmmaking but also set a precedent for future auteurs to push the limits of creative expression.