For his first film, Orson Welles paid particular attention to depth of field, seeking to achieve a great visual perspective for his scenic space. He also placed great demands on the sound, but the recording techniques of the time did not meet his expectations. In 1941, he asked RKO to develop a system capable of increasing the depth of sound field and improving dynamics. He wanted both soft and loud sounds to be reproduced realistically. RCA, which controlled RKO, designed an innovative system to improve the sound of its film.

However, after the Second World War, when the film was shown in Belgium, this revolutionary sound process was forgotten, and “Citizen Kane” was never screened again under the conditions desired by Welles and RKO.

Palace now offers you the chance to rediscover this work in the same conditions as when it was shown in New York in 1941, with an avant-garde sound system that prefigured today's Dolby systems. We've recreated this rare sound system in the Palace's main auditorium for the occasion.

This is a unique opportunity to relive “Citizen Kane” in the original conditions of its first screening in 1941.

Jean-Pierre Verscheure, curator and specialist in the history of cinema techniques, will present this copy from his personal collection, accompanied by Fabrice Du Welz, Belgian director and screenwriter.

CITIZEN KANE

Orson Welles

US, 119', 1941, VO EN ST FR, 35MM

Image Academy – Son RCA Duplex spécial

Synopsis: After the death of billionaire newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane, reporter Thompson investigates his life. The contacts he makes with those closest to him reveal a gigantic, megalomaniacal, egotistical and solitary figure.