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Citizen Kane has been credited with ushering in a new era of cinema that focused on visual effects and its impact on the story. Its deliberate style betrayed convention of classic films that relied on a seamless image, devoid of any stylistic techniques. Welles, who had come from theater, believed that beyond directing actors, filmmakers were responsible for the lighting and photographic direction of a film.

The use of light is an important theme throughout Citizen Kane. Kane's boyhood is bright. As he grows older, the lighting decays into patches that highlight the balance between decency and corruption that seem to follow Kane's life.

Welles also employed deep focus photography as a way to allow audiences to actively peruse a scene without the intrusion of editing, for Welles a disruption of real space and time. The use of both detailed backgrounds and foregrounds also functioned to emphasize Kane's sense of isolation and distance from the activities of those around him.

Composition also was a critical part to storytelling in Citizen Kane. Characters were placed at opposite ends of the screen to convey distance and estrangement. Large objects are typically in the foreground and between characters at odds, while signs and fences seem to further emphasize the feeling of alienation Welles is exploring.

The larger than life banner of Kane during the political campaign sequence emphasize the character's importance, while dwarfing the real man. Similarly, Susan seems enveloped by her surroundings within the Kane mansion.

Overall, Citizen Kane is a study in theatrical filmmaking. The many components of visual technique that accompany the mystery of Kane's demise serve to strengthen the overall themes of the film. Although modern audience may find Citizen Kane old-fashion or campy, by suspending disbelief, it is possible to see the impact and importance of visual symbolism in Citizen Kane.

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