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In terms of art, Wells was able to show only part of the setting instead of the entire room, which saved a lot of money. For example, the setting of an office actually only includes a desk and two walls, but we seem to see a large and luxurious office. Similarly, in the Shangdu scene, Wells only lights up a piece of furniture, a statue, or a fireplace, while leaving the rest of the room in the dark—as if it is too large to be fully illuminated (actually The furnishings in the room above are very few).
This effect is actually achieved through low-key lighting.
Edward Stevenson's clothing design fits the actual style of each era appropriately. Since the film spans 70 years and the events are not presented in chronological order, the costumes must be immediately recognizable so that the audience can know the era of each scene. Kane’s childhood has the flavor of the 19th century—the crossroads between Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. The former is manifested in Thatcher's hard collar and top hat, while the latter is manifested in the simplicity of the frontier in the costumes of Mary and Jim Kane.
In this film, clothing is both symbolic and functional. For example, as a young and combative publisher, Kane likes white, and he often takes off his coat and tie while working. But later in life, he almost always wears black business clothes and a tie. Emily's clothes are luxurious, but with a subtle elegance. She always looks like an educated young housewife-fashionable, dignified and full of feminine charm. Susan had a simple dress before meeting Kane. After meeting Kane, she usually wore that kind of lavish clothing, and sometimes the kind of clothing with small metal discs.
The following is an analysis of Susan's opera costumes, which is a triumph of sarcasm and wit:
l. Times: On the surface it is the 19th century, but in fact it is an interesting patchwork of different eras and "Oriental" influences.
2. Rank: Royal, jeweled, and costumes with various queen decorations.
3. Sex: Female, especially highlighting the curve of the body and a robe with a big fork at the bottom.
Only the Muslim headgear provided some masculine color, although the ancient fluffy feathers made it change.
4. Age: This costume is designed for a twenty-year-old woman, that is, at the height of her most attractive body.
5. Clothing: Beaded silk studded with pearls.
6. Accessories: Muslim headscarves, pearls, highly inconsistent Joan Crawford-style shoes with trippers.
7. Color: The film is black and white, but most of the clothing has a metallic sheen, suggesting gold and ebony.
8. Exposure of the body: The clothing exposes and highlights such sexy parts as the chest, waist and thighs.
9. Function: This clothing is not practical, it is even difficult to start wearing. It is worn for someone who doesn't work, just to show off.
10. Image: From head to toe is an opera queen.
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