Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane

Year: 1941

Runtime: 1 h 59 m

Language: English

DramaMystery

Following the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, a reporter is tasked with uncovering the meaning behind his final, mysterious word: "Rosebud." Through interviews with Kane's acquaintances—friends, rivals, and family—the reporter pieces together a portrait of a complex and often contradictory man, exploring his childhood, career, and ultimately, the source of his enduring unhappiness. The investigation reveals a story of ambition, love, loss, and the elusive nature of memory.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Citizen Kane (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Citizen Kane (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century, 1871

The events of 'Citizen Kane' unfold primarily in the early 20th century, a time marked by significant economic change and the rise of sensational journalism. Additionally, the flashbacks to 1871 provide context for Kane's upbringing, highlighting the impact of wealth and societal expectations on his life trajectory.

Location

Xanadu, Colorado, Florida

Xanadu is a vast and opulent palatial estate located in Florida, known for its immense wealth and luxury. It serves as the symbol of Charles Foster Kane's success and isolation, housing a private zoo and lavish amenities. Meanwhile, Colorado represents Kane's humble beginnings, where his childhood was shaped before his ascent to power.

🏰 Mansion 🌄 Colorado 🌴 Florida

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Main Characters – Citizen Kane (1941)

Meet the key characters of Citizen Kane (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles)

Charles Foster Kane is a complex character embodying the paradox of wealth and isolation. Starting from humble beginnings, he rises to become a powerful newspaper magnate, yet ultimately sacrifices his relationships for success. His quest for love and validation ultimately leads to his tragic loneliness.

👑 Protagonist 📰 Newspaper Tycoon 💔 Tragic Hero

Jerry Thompson (William Alland)

Jerry Thompson is the determined reporter tasked with uncovering the truth behind Kane's final words. His investigation represents the search for meaning and understanding in a life marked by complexity and contradiction. Thompson's journey to interview Kane's associates reveals much about Kane's character and legacy.

🕵️‍♂️ Reporter 🔍 Investigator 🧩 Puzzle Solver

Susan Alexander Kane (Dorothy Comingore)

Susan Alexander Kane is Kane's second wife and a significant figure in his life, representing both love and despair. Her failed opera career and struggle with alcoholism highlight the pressures placed upon her by Kane's ambitions. Susan's eventual departure signifies Kane's ultimate failure to maintain personal connections.

🎤 Opera Singer 🍷 Alcoholic 💔 Victim of Ambition

Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten)

Jedediah Leland is Kane's best friend and confidant, providing a unique perspective on Kane's complexities. His observations throughout the story illustrate the cracks in Kane's character and relationships, reflecting the impact of ambition on their friendship as well as on Kane's personal life.

👬 Best Friend 📖 Confidant 🔍 Observer

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Major Themes – Citizen Kane (1941)

Explore the central themes of Citizen Kane (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Isolation

Isolation is a prevailing theme in 'Citizen Kane', as the titular character, despite his immense wealth, experiences profound loneliness and abandonment. Kane's relationships deteriorate over time, causing him to end up alone in his grand mansion, Xanadu. This stark contrast emphasizes the emptiness that can accompany material success.

🎭 Legacy

Kane's quest for legacy drives the narrative, showcasing how his desperate need for validation and fear of being forgotten shape his life choices. The mystery surrounding his final word, 'Rosebud', encapsulates the inescapable reality of one's past and the enduring nature of legacy, highlighting the contrast between public perception and private truth.

📉 Power and Corruption

The theme of power and corruption is central to Kane's rise and fall. His initial idealism becomes tainted as he indulges in manipulation and scandalous journalism, leading to his eventual downfall. The story critiques how power can corrupt one's morals and subsequently lead to isolation, as seen in Kane's tumultuous relationships and career.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Unlock the Full Story of Citizen Kane

Don't stop at just watching — explore Citizen Kane in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Citizen Kane is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Citizen Kane Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Citizen Kane, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Citizen Kane Summary

Citizen Kane Timeline

Track the full timeline of Citizen Kane with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Citizen Kane Timeline

More About Citizen Kane

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Citizen Kane: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Citizen Kane

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