Citizen Kane Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich guy dies, says a weird word, and a reporter interviews a bunch of gossipy people to find out if it was his safe word or something.

🍿 Citizen Kane: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Death of Kane and the ‘Rosebud’ Mystery

The film opens with the death of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) at his opulent estate, Xanadu. His dying word, “Rosebud,” sparks a nationwide mystery and becomes the central focus of a newsreel obituary detailing his life and career. A reporter, Jerry Thompson (William Alland), is tasked with uncovering the meaning of “Rosebud,” embarking on a journey to interview those who knew Kane best. These interviews serve as the framework for the film’s non-linear narrative, flashing back to various periods in Kane’s life.

Kane’s Childhood and the Loss of Innocence

Thompson’s investigation leads him to Walter Parks Thatcher’s (George Coulouris) archives, revealing Kane’s early life in Colorado. A gold mine discovered on his family’s property leads his mother (Agnes Moorehead) to send him away to be raised by Thatcher, a wealthy banker, ensuring a proper education and financial security. The young Kane is seen happily playing with a sled named “Rosebud” before being torn away from his family. This marks a pivotal moment, symbolizing the loss of his innocence and the beginning of his journey toward wealth and power.

The Rise of a Newspaper Tycoon

At 25, Kane inherits his fortune and enters the newspaper business, acquiring the New York Inquirer. He employs a sensationalist style of journalism, attacking Thatcher’s business interests and building a vast media empire. Kane’s ambition and desire to champion the common man are evident, but his methods often blur the lines between genuine advocacy and self-serving manipulation. His marriage to Emily Norton (Ruth Warrick), the niece of a President, further solidifies his power and influence.

Scandal and the Decline of Kane

Kane’s ambition leads him to run for Governor of New York, but his political aspirations are derailed by a public scandal involving his affair with Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), an aspiring singer. This affair ends his marriage to Emily and shatters his political dreams. Kane marries Susan, attempting to mold her into an opera star, but her lack of talent and ambition leads to further isolation and unhappiness for both of them. His relationships with his closest friends, including Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), also suffer as Kane becomes increasingly controlling and isolated.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles): A publishing tycoon whose life is explored through flashbacks after his death, revealing a complex and ultimately tragic figure.
• Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten): Kane’s close friend and colleague who provides insights into Kane’s early idealism and later moral decay.
• Susan Alexander Kane (Dorothy Comingore): Kane’s second wife, an untalented opera singer, whose perspective reveals Kane’s controlling nature and ultimate loneliness.
• Walter Parks Thatcher (George Coulouris): Kane’s legal guardian, who represents the financial establishment and Kane’s early loss of innocence and childhood.
• Mr. Bernstein (Everett Sloane): Kane’s loyal business manager, who recounts Kane’s rise to power and his methods of manipulating public opinion.
• Jerry Thompson (William Alland): The reporter tasked with uncovering the meaning of ‘Rosebud,’ piecing together Kane’s life through interviews and investigations.
• Mary Kane (Agnes Moorehead): Charles Foster Kane’s mother, who sends him away to live with Thatcher so that he would be properly educated.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charles Foster Kane: “Rosebud.” – Kane’s dying word, the film’s central mystery, representing his lost childhood and innocence.
• Charles Foster Kane: “You’re right, I did expect too much from her. I didn’t realize how tough it is for people to live up to other people’s expectations.” – Kane acknowledges his unrealistic expectations of Susan, highlighting his flawed understanding of human relationships.
• Mr. Bernstein: “Old age. It’s the only disease, Mr. Thompson, that you don’t look forward to being cured of.” – Bernstein reflects on the inevitability and burdens of aging during his interview with Thompson.
• Charles Foster Kane: “I think it might be fun to run a newspaper.” – Kane’s initial, seemingly innocent statement foreshadowing his eventual media empire and its impact.
• Jedediah Leland: “You talk about the people as though you owned them. As though they belonged to you.” – Leland confronts Kane about his manipulative use of the press, exposing his growing detachment from the public he claims to serve.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $839,727
• Domestic Gross: $1,627,530
• Worldwide Gross: $1,707,754

💥 Citizen Kane Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched Citizen Kane. I get it now. The way they told the story, jumping around in time, was kinda mind-blowing. The ending hit me hard. It felt so sad that all that money and power couldn’t buy him happiness, it’s all a waste. The snow globe scene was just great. It made me think about my own ‘Rosebud’. Definitely worth the hype.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic cinema”
  • “Those interested in film history and innovative techniques”
  • “Viewers who appreciate complex character studies”
  • “People who enjoy dramas exploring themes of wealth and power”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Implied suicide attempt”
  • “Themes of loss and isolation”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Citizen Kane isn’t just a movie, it’s an experience. Welles’ groundbreaking techniques are still awe-inspiring, making it a must-see for anyone serious about cinema. The film provides a complex portrait of a man undone by his own ambition, and it resonates even more deeply today.
• The Guardian: “An audacious masterpiece. Citizen Kane is a towering achievement of filmmaking. The complex storytelling and deep focus cinematography make it an immersive journey into the soul of Charles Foster Kane. A film that continues to influence generations.

Audience Reactions

The film’s innovative storytelling blew me away; a true cinematic masterpiece.: Viewers love the groundbreaking camera work, the intricate story structure, and the exploration of wealth and loneliness.

Orson Welles’ performance as Kane is iconic; you can feel the weight of his ambition and regret.: Orson Welles’ performance as Kane is iconic; you can feel the weight of his ambition and regret.

Overall Consensus: Citizen Kane remains a monumental achievement in cinema, celebrated for its innovative techniques and profound exploration of themes like ambition and loss.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Writing, Original Screenplay)- 1942

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, a powerful newspaper publisher, who attempted to suppress the film’s release due to its unflattering portrayal of him.”
• “Gregg Toland, the cinematographer, played a crucial role in developing the film’s groundbreaking visual style, including the use of deep focus, which allowed multiple planes of action to be in sharp focus simultaneously.”
• “Orson Welles was only 25 years old when he directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in Citizen Kane, making it his feature film debut.”

🖥️ How to Watch Citizen Kane?

Citizen Kane is widely available for rent or purchase on major digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television broadcasts. While a Criterion Collection edition exists on physical media, streaming options vary by region, so be sure to confirm availability in your area. Many local libraries also offer the film on DVD or Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Citizen Kane, you might like these similar films:

• The Social Network (2010): Explores the rise of a powerful and complex figure (Mark Zuckerberg) and the cost of ambition, similar to Kane’s story.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Focuses on the destructive nature of ambition and the isolation of a powerful, self-made man (Daniel Plainview), resonating with Kane’s character arc.
• All the President’s Men (1976): Features investigative journalism and the unraveling of a complex story, sharing a structural similarity with the reporter’s quest in Citizen Kane.
• Raging Bull (1980): Explores the self-destructive tendencies of a deeply flawed and complex individual, much like Charles Foster Kane.

🛒 Citizen Kane Related Products

• Citizen Kane (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored version of the film with bonus content, including essays, documentaries, and deleted scenes. Limited edition packaging.
• Citizen Kane: A Filmmaker’s Journey: Interactive ebook with behind-the-scenes photos, storyboards, and expert analysis of the film’s techniques.
• Citizen Kane ‘Rosebud’ Sled Replica Ornament: A miniature replica of the iconic ‘Rosebud’ sled, perfect for display or as a Christmas ornament. High-quality craftsmanship.
• Citizen Kane Movie Poster (Vintage Style): A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, printed on archival paper. Classic design that captures the film’s essence.

🎧 Soundtrack

Citizen Kane features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme from Citizen Kane” – performed by Bernard Herrmann
• “It Can’t Be Love” – performed by Charlie Barnet

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Citizen Kane: Crash Course Film Criticism #1

Kick-start your understanding of Citizen Kane with this comprehensive analysis! Film professor Michael Aranda breaks down the film’s significance and influence with his signature wit and clarity.

Orson Welles Talks About Making ‘Citizen Kane’ | The Dick Cavett Show

Step into the mind of cinematic legend Orson Welles as he shares his experiences and challenges in bringing Citizen Kane to life. This interview unveils the secrets behind the film’s groundbreaking techniques!

1941: Citizen Kane: What Makes A Masterpiece?

Discover the cinematic wizardry behind Citizen Kane’s revolutionary techniques. This video deconstructs the film’s groundbreaking camerawork, lighting, and editing, revealing how it forever changed the art of filmmaking.

Citizen Kane – Movie Review

Join Chris Stuckmann for a contemporary review of the cinematic masterpiece Citizen Kane. Dive into its timeless themes, striking visuals, and thought-provoking narrative through a modern-day lens.

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