Blog #1

Citizen Kane (1941)

Directed by Orson Welles

The film, Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, tells the story of lead actor, Charles Foster Kane’s rise and fall with money and power. In the beginning of movie, I thought it was the scene from The Wizard of Oz where the cast was in the woods, the monkeys were lurking, the “no trespassing” sign was hanging and the eerie view of the Wicked Witch’s castle was clear across the way. As soon as the newsreel of Charles Kane’s life had ended, I knew I was evidently wrong. This film surprised me in many ways. From the symbolism to the cinematography, I felt compelled throughout the entire story.

Charles Kane is a deeply complex character. He embodies power, popularity and money, yet lacks sincerity, love, and sympathy. He grew up detached from his biological family which shows his lack of security and sense of love and belonging. The owner of Thatcher Banks became Kane’s guardian and taught him the ins and outs of money and its stature. Money is what became Kane’s only sense of stability in his life. As Kane’s wealth grew, he began to cheat, lie and lose empathy for people who relied on him. His whole newspaper company was based off of the tactic of yellow journalism; providing invalid or fake stories to profit. This proved he was shady and selfish when it came to his demeanor.

The only thing that was sustainable in Kane’s life was his buying power. Statues for example, were something he bought throughout the entire film and was referenced and seen numerous times. They symbolize stability for Kane, literally and figuratively. Statues have the ability to be manipulated, like people, who he constantly needed reaffirmation from. They also symbolize strength that will never break down and leave unless one chooses. Kane couldn’t keep a wife. He couldn’t maintain friendships. He didn’t have a family. The only things that became valuable to him were material items, which led to his overall downfall and demise.