"You can have a movie with hardly any cuts, or very few cuts, that is fascinating, you can't take your eyes away from it... Look at some of the long takes in Citizen Kane"

In this quote, renowned film critic Roger Ebert highlights the power and artistry of long takes in movie theater, utilizing "Citizen Kane" as a prime example. Ebert suggests that a movie does not necessarily require various cuts or rapid modifying to record an audience's attention. Rather, a well-executed long take can be captivating, drawing viewers into the scene in such a way that quick cuts typically can't.

The recommendation to "Citizen Kane" is substantial because the film, directed by Orson Welles, is renowned for its ingenious usage of long takes along with its total groundbreaking cinematography. Welles and his cinematographer, Gregg Toland, utilized deep focus shots and long, undisturbed takes to develop a more immersive and realistic atmosphere. This method permits the audience to experience occasions in real-time, fostering a more powerful connection to the story and its characters.

Long takes can cultivate tension, intimacy, and realism, offering the audience a constant thread of unbroken action that mirrors how we view occasions in real life. In "Citizen Kane", these shots serve the double function of highlighting both the grandeur and the seclusion of Charles Foster Kane's world. They often include intricate motions, timing, and choreography, requiring accurate coordination among stars and team, which includes an aspect of theater-like authenticity.

Ebert's appreciation for the use of long takes reflects his gratitude for the craftsmanship behind filmmaking. He explains that when carried out skillfully, these scenes can be so absorbing that the viewer is not able to avert. This declaration underscores a central tenet of reliable filmmaking: the capability to engage and hold the audience's attention not simply through story but likewise through visual storytelling.

In essence, Ebert's quote motivates filmmakers to explore the potential of long takes as a storytelling device, suggesting that, when succeeded, they can raise a film to a level of artistic fascination and psychological engagement that goes beyond standard editing methods.