Citizen Kane (1941)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Citizen Kane is a groundbreaking film directed by and starring Orson Welles. The film is considered one of the greatest movies ever made, known for its innovative storytelling techniques, cinematography, and deep exploration of themes like power, corruption, and the elusiveness of happiness. The story centers around the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper magnate.

The Story Unfolds

The Death of Charles Foster Kane

The film begins with the death of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) at his opulent estate, Xanadu. His last word, “Rosebud,” becomes a mystery that drives the narrative. The news of his death spreads, and a reporter named Jerry Thompson (William Alland) is tasked with uncovering the meaning behind Kane’s final word.

The Investigative Quest

Thompson’s investigation into Kane’s life is structured through interviews with those who knew him and flashbacks that reveal key moments in his life. Each interviewee provides a different perspective, painting a complex picture of Kane as both a public figure and a private man.

The Climax and Resolution

Kane’s Rise and Fall

Through these interviews and flashbacks, we learn about Kane’s rise to power, his control over a vast media empire, his political ambitions, and his personal relationships. We see how Kane’s relentless pursuit of power and control leads to his eventual isolation and the collapse of his personal relationships, particularly with his first wife, Emily Monroe Norton (Ruth Warrick), and his second wife, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore).

The Mystery of “Rosebud”

In the film’s climactic and poignant final scenes, the meaning of “Rosebud” is revealed. As workers sort through Kane’s possessions, they come across an old sled from his childhood with the name “Rosebud” inscribed on it. This sled, a symbol of the innocence and happiness Kane lost, provides a profound commentary on the nature of his life’s pursuits and the emptiness of his accomplishments.

The Conclusion

The Elusiveness of Happiness

The revelation that “Rosebud” was a simple childhood sled underscores the film’s central theme: the pursuit of material wealth and power cannot compensate for the loss of simple, genuine happiness and personal connections.

Movie Ending

The film ends with the haunting image of the sled being incinerated, symbolizing the final, irrevocable loss of Kane’s innocence and the futility of his life’s ambitions.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Citizen Kane.

Type of Movie

Citizen Kane is a drama and mystery film that delves deeply into the themes of power, corruption, and the search for meaning in life.

Cast

Orson Welles as Charles Foster Kane
Joseph Cotten as Jedediah Leland
Dorothy Comingore as Susan Alexander Kane
Agnes Moorehead as Mary Kane
Ruth Warrick as Emily Monroe Norton Kane
William Alland as Jerry Thompson

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Bernard Herrmann, whose music enhances the film’s dramatic and emotional depth.

Filming Locations

Citizen Kane was primarily filmed on soundstages at RKO Radio Pictures studios in Hollywood. Some scenes were shot on location, including the famous Xanadu estate exterior shots, which were filmed in San Diego, California.

Awards and Nominations

Citizen Kane received numerous prestigious awards, including:

Academy Awards: Won Best Original Screenplay (Orson Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz). Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Orson Welles), Best Cinematography (Black-and-White), Best Art Direction (Black-and-White), Best Film Editing, Best Music (Scoring of a Dramatic Picture), and Best Sound Recording.
New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Won Best Picture and Best Director (Orson Welles).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Orson Welles was only 25 years old when he made Citizen Kane, marking his first feature film.
The film’s innovative use of deep focus cinematography, non-linear narrative, and special effects were groundbreaking for its time.
The character of Charles Foster Kane was loosely based on real-life media magnates like William Randolph Hearst, who reportedly attempted to suppress the film’s release.

Inspirations and References

The character of Charles Foster Kane was inspired by real-life figures such as William Randolph Hearst, Joseph Pulitzer, and Samuel Insull. The film’s narrative structure and stylistic innovations were influenced by German Expressionism and early works of sound cinema.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows Welles’ vision, though some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film itself was not directly adapted from a book, its screenplay was later novelized. Additionally, Citizen Kane has been extensively analyzed in various books and essays, exploring its themes, production, and impact on cinema.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The opening scene at Xanadu with Kane’s death and the utterance of “Rosebud.”
The newsreel sequence summarizing Kane’s life.
The montage of Kane’s first marriage disintegrating over breakfast.
The powerful scene in which Kane trashes Susan’s room after she leaves him.
The final revelation of “Rosebud” as the sled.

Iconic Quotes

“Rosebud…” – Charles Foster Kane
“It’s the greatest curse that’s ever been inflicted on the human race: memory.” – Jedediah Leland
“You know, Mr. Bernstein, if I hadn’t been very rich, I might have been a really great man.” – Charles Foster Kane
“I think it would be fun to run a newspaper.” – Charles Foster Kane

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of mirrors and reflections throughout the film symbolizes Kane’s fragmented personality and the illusion of his public image.
The intricate set designs and lighting techniques used to create deep focus shots, allowing multiple planes of action to be in focus simultaneously.

Trivia

The film’s budget was approximately $839,727, and it grossed around $1.6 million worldwide.
Citizen Kane was controversial upon release due to its perceived critique of William Randolph Hearst, leading to Hearst’s efforts to suppress the film.
Despite its initial mixed reception, the film has since been hailed as a masterpiece and is frequently cited as one of the greatest films of all time.

Why Watch?

Citizen Kane is a landmark in cinematic history, offering a profound exploration of power, ambition, and the human condition. Its innovative techniques, compelling narrative, and strong performances make it essential viewing for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking and storytelling.

Director’s Other Movies

Orson Welles also directed:

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Touch of Evil (1958)
Chimes at Midnight (1965)
F for Fake (1973)