Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane (1941) is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It revolutionized the art of filmmaking and introduced narrative, visual, and technical elements that were groundbreaking for its time. From its deep-focus cinematography to its non-linear narrative structure, Citizen Kane has influenced countless directors and remains an enduring subject of analysis and admiration.
This post provides a detailed recap of the film’s story, a deep dive into its key themes, and an analysis of its lasting impact on cinema.
Recap of Citizen Kane
Plot Summary
The film begins with the iconic image of a massive, decaying mansion called Xanadu, and the last word uttered by its dying owner, Charles Foster Kane, is a cryptic “Rosebud.” Kane, a media tycoon, dies alone, leaving the world to wonder about the meaning of this enigmatic word. A reporter named Jerry Thompson is tasked with investigating Kane’s life in an attempt to uncover the meaning behind “Rosebud.”
Through a series of flashbacks narrated by those who knew Kane, Thompson pieces together the story of Kane’s rise from an impoverished childhood to becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential men in America. Kane inherits a fortune from a gold mine and, as a young man, purchases a newspaper, the New York Inquirer, where he begins to build his media empire.
As Kane’s wealth and influence grow, his personal relationships deteriorate. His first marriage to Emily Norton, the niece of the U.S. president, ends in divorce, and his second marriage to Susan Alexander, a singer, also fails. Kane’s relentless pursuit of power, wealth, and control ultimately leaves him isolated and unhappy, despite his vast success.
In the end, the meaning of “Rosebud” is revealed in a poignant twist. As Kane’s belongings are being sorted after his death, a childhood sled is thrown into the fire, revealing the name “Rosebud” printed on it. This simple object from his youth symbolizes the innocence and happiness Kane lost as he grew into a man driven by ambition and power.
Key Themes of Citizen Kane
1. The Corrupting Influence of Wealth and Power
One of the central themes in Citizen Kane is the corrupting nature of wealth and power. Charles Foster Kane begins his life with good intentions, using his newspaper to fight for social justice and against corruption. However, as his empire grows, so does his ego and desire for control. Kane’s pursuit of power leads to his alienation from those he loves, and ultimately, his downfall.
This theme resonates deeply in today’s world, where the concentration of power in the hands of a few continues to have far-reaching consequences. Kane’s character is a cautionary tale about how unchecked ambition can destroy both personal and professional relationships.
2. The Elusiveness of Truth and Memory
Another major theme of Citizen Kane is the subjective nature of truth and memory. The film is structured around multiple perspectives on Kane’s life, each person offering their own version of events. These differing accounts emphasize the idea that no single narrative can capture the complexity of a person’s life. The audience is left to draw their own conclusions about Kane’s character, reinforcing the idea that truth is elusive and often shaped by personal biases.
The search for the meaning of “Rosebud” symbolizes this quest for understanding Kane’s inner life. However, the answer, when it is finally revealed, feels both satisfying and tragic. It serves as a reminder that the essence of a person can often be found in the small, seemingly insignificant moments of their life.
3. Isolation and Loneliness
Citizen Kane explores the loneliness that can accompany great power and success. Despite his wealth, fame, and influence, Kane dies alone in his vast, empty mansion. His relationships, particularly with his two wives, are strained and ultimately collapse due to his inability to connect on a personal level. Kane’s emotional isolation is vividly illustrated in one of the film’s most famous sequences, where he and his first wife are shown sitting farther and farther apart at their dining table as their marriage disintegrates.
Kane’s vast mansion, Xanadu, becomes a physical representation of his isolation. Filled with priceless art and surrounded by untamed nature, it is a monument to his achievements but also a prison that separates him from the world.
Cinematic Innovation in Citizen Kane
1. Deep Focus Cinematography
One of the most significant technical innovations in Citizen Kane is its use of deep focus cinematography. Cinematographer Gregg Toland’s groundbreaking technique allows everything in the frame, from the foreground to the background, to remain in sharp focus. This gives the film a sense of visual depth and allows the audience to engage more fully with the story’s layered themes.
The deep focus technique is used throughout the film to convey complex emotional and thematic ideas. For example, in the scene where young Kane is playing outside in the snow while his mother signs over his guardianship, the use of deep focus allows us to see both the innocence of the child and the life-altering decision being made in the background.
2. Non-linear Storytelling
The structure of Citizen Kane is non-linear, with the story unfolding through a series of flashbacks told from multiple perspectives. This was a revolutionary narrative technique for its time, challenging the traditional, linear structure of most Hollywood films. By presenting the story in this fragmented way, Welles emphasizes the complexity of Kane’s character and the impossibility of fully understanding a person’s life through any single lens.
This non-linear storytelling has since become a staple of modern cinema, influencing countless films that explore multiple timelines or subjective realities.
3. Low-angle Shots and Creative Use of Lighting
Welles employed low-angle shots to give Kane an imposing and powerful presence. These shots, where the camera is placed below the actor and pointed upwards, make Kane appear larger than life, symbolizing his dominance and influence. Additionally, the film’s use of lighting is masterful, with shadows and contrasts enhancing the film’s mood and themes. The interplay of light and shadow reflects the duality of Kane’s character—his public success versus his private failure.
Lasting Impact of Citizen Kane
1. Influence on Filmmakers
Citizen Kane has been cited as an influence by some of the greatest directors in film history, including Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. The film’s innovative techniques, from its deep focus cinematography to its complex narrative structure, continue to inspire filmmakers to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
2. A New Standard for Film as Art
When Citizen Kane was released, it helped elevate the status of film from entertainment to a legitimate art form. Welles’ willingness to experiment with both form and content demonstrated that movies could be used to explore complex themes and ideas in a sophisticated way. Today, Citizen Kane is studied in film schools around the world and remains a touchstone for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking.
3. Cultural and Historical Significance
The character of Charles Foster Kane is often seen as a thinly veiled portrayal of real-life media mogul William Randolph Hearst. The film’s critique of the power wielded by media barons and its exploration of the moral compromises they make to maintain that power remain relevant today. Citizen Kane serves as a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the hollow pursuit of wealth and influence at the expense of personal happiness.
Conclusion: Why Citizen Kane Still Matters
Citizen Kane is more than just a classic film—it is a timeless exploration of human ambition, memory, and isolation. Orson Welles’ groundbreaking use of cinematic techniques, combined with the film’s deep themes and compelling performances, make it a must-see for anyone interested in the art of cinema. Its influence can be seen in nearly every corner of the film industry, and its central questions about power, truth, and happiness continue to resonate with modern audiences.
For film lovers and critics alike, Citizen Kane is a masterpiece that rewards repeated viewings and deep reflection. Even after more than 80 years, it remains a benchmark of cinematic excellence and storytelling innovation.
FAQs:
1. What is Citizen Kane about?
Citizen Kane explores the life of media tycoon Charles Foster Kane through flashbacks, revealing his rise to power and eventual isolation.
2. What does “Rosebud” represent in Citizen Kane?
“Rosebud” symbolizes Kane’s lost childhood innocence and the happiness he sacrificed in his pursuit of wealth and power.
3. Why is Citizen Kane considered one of the greatest films?
It is celebrated for its groundbreaking cinematography, non-linear storytelling, and deep exploration of complex themes like power and isolation.
4. Who directed Citizen Kane?
Citizen Kane was directed by Orson Welles, who also starred as Charles Foster Kane.
5. What innovative techniques were used in Citizen Kane?
The film used deep focus cinematography, low-angle shots, and non-linear narrative techniques that were revolutionary for its time.
6. How did Citizen Kane influence modern cinema?
Its innovations in storytelling and visuals inspired generations of filmmakers and changed the language of cinema.
7. Is Citizen Kane based on a true story?
While not directly based on a true story, the character of Charles Foster Kane is believed to be inspired by media magnate William Randolph Hearst.
8. What is the significance of Xanadu in the film?
Xanadu, Kane’s sprawling mansion, symbolizes his immense wealth and power, but also his loneliness and isolation.
9. Who are the main characters in Citizen Kane?
The primary characters include Charles Foster Kane, Susan Alexander, and Mr. Bernstein, among others.
10. What is the main theme of Citizen Kane?
The central theme is the corrupting influence of wealth and power, and how Kane’s pursuit of success ultimately leads to his emotional downfall.
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