Meaning: This quote by renowned film critic Roger Ebert speaks to the power of long takes in cinema, using Orson Welles' groundbreaking film "Citizen Kane" as an example. To fully understand the significance of Ebert's statement, it's important to delve into the concept of long takes in filmmaking, as well as the impact they have on the viewer's experience.

Long takes, also known as continuous shots or single shots, refer to a technique in which a scene is filmed in one uninterrupted shot, without any cuts. This means the camera follows the action without any breaks, providing a seamless and uninterrupted view of the events unfolding on screen. When executed effectively, long takes can create a sense of immersion and intensity for the audience, as they are drawn into the unfolding narrative without the typical visual interruptions of cuts and edits.

The reference to "Citizen Kane" in Ebert's quote is particularly apt, as the film is widely celebrated for its innovative use of long takes. Orson Welles, who both directed and starred in the film, employed long takes to great effect, using them to convey a sense of depth, complexity, and visual storytelling. One of the most famous examples of a long take in "Citizen Kane" occurs during a scene in which the camera moves seamlessly through the interior of a nightclub, capturing multiple characters and interactions in a single unbroken shot. This technique was groundbreaking for its time and has since become a hallmark of the film's technical and artistic achievements.

Ebert's assertion that a movie with very few cuts can be fascinating and hold the viewer's attention speaks to the unique impact of long takes on the cinematic experience. By eschewing traditional editing techniques, long takes have the potential to immerse the audience in the world of the film, allowing them to become deeply engrossed in the unfolding narrative. This approach can be particularly effective in creating tension, building suspense, and emphasizing the emotional weight of a scene.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the skill and artistry required to execute a compelling long take. Unlike traditional editing, which allows filmmakers to manipulate time and space through cuts and transitions, long takes demand meticulous planning, precise choreography, and seamless coordination between the actors, camera operators, and other members of the production team. The successful execution of a long take requires a high level of technical expertise and a deep understanding of visual storytelling, as the camera becomes an active participant in guiding the viewer through the narrative.

In contemporary cinema, the use of long takes continues to be a source of fascination and admiration for filmmakers and audiences alike. Directors such as Alfonso Cuarón, with his masterful long takes in "Children of Men" and "Gravity," and Alejandro González Iñárritu, with the seamless sequences in "Birdman," have demonstrated the enduring power of this technique to captivate and enthrall audiences.

In conclusion, Roger Ebert's quote encapsulates the mesmerizing effect of long takes in cinema and the enduring impact of Orson Welles' pioneering work in "Citizen Kane." Long takes have the ability to draw viewers into the world of a film, heighten emotional engagement, and showcase the technical virtuosity of filmmakers. As the art of storytelling through film continues to evolve, the allure of long takes as a cinematic device remains as potent as ever.