Was 'Citizen Kane' Mocking William Hearst? Unveiling the Complexities

The famous adaptation of Herman Wouk's play 'Joan of Lorraine' into the renowned film ‘Citizen Kane’ (1941) has long been a subject of debate, particularly with regards to its portrayal of William Randolph Hearst. Was the film mocking the powerful media tycoon? This article delves into the evidence and complexities behind this assertion.

Citizen Kane and the Media Barons: A Modern Drama

Orson Welles, the visionary filmmaker, claimed that his iconic film 'Citizen Kane' was not a direct attack on William Randolph Hearst. However, the parallels between the character of Charles Foster Kane and Hearst are striking, leading many to question the intentions behind the film's portrayal. These parallels include the rise from humble beginnings to become one of the biggest media moguls, the ambitious quest for power, and the ultimate fall from grace. While Welles denied any mocking intention, the evidence suggests otherwise.

New Evidence: Hearst and the Film's Rejection

A recent investigation has uncovered new evidence that William Randolph Hearst was not only aware of the film's narrative but was actively working to discredit and halt its release. According to the article 'Scale of Hearst plot to discredit Orson Welles and 'Citizen Kane'' and 'How Hearst Tried to Stop 'Citizen Kane'', Hearst took aggressive actions to prevent the film from seeing the light of day. These actions ranged from attempting to acquire the film's negative and editing rights to deploying smear campaigns and other tactics to tarnish the film's reputation.

A Complex Portrait of a Man

Saying that 'Citizen Kane' was simply mocking Hearst does a disservice to the nuanced storytelling that Orson Welles presents. The film portrays a complex character: Charles Foster Kane, a man who started from humble beginnings and rose to unparalleled power and fame in the world of newspaper publishing. His journey is a tragi-comic tale of ambition, loss, and the price of power. Welles used multiple narrative techniques to explore this character, including flashbacks, newspaper headlines, and a famously enigmatic opening line, "Rosebud." This opening line has been interpreted in various ways, one of which connects it to Hearst's own pet name, "Marion," for his mistress, Marion Davies. These narrative choices added layers of depth to the character and the film's exploration of the American dream.

Conclusion: Masterpiece Beyond Mockery

While 'Citizen Kane' contains elements of mockery, it is a far more sophisticated portrait than a mere jab at a media mogul. It is a carefully crafted narrative that explores themes of power, ambition, and the tragedy of missed opportunities. The film's enduring legacy as a cinematic masterpiece stands testament to its critical acclaim and artistic merit.

Final Thoughts

Orson Welles’s 'Citizen Kane' is a multifaceted work of art that, while containing elements of mockery, is ultimately much more than that. It is a profound exploration of human nature and the American dream, a tale that resonates across generations. Whether or not it was intended as a direct attack on William Randolph Hearst, the film's complex narrative and technical innovations have cemented its place as a landmark in the history of cinema.