Citizen Kane

Main Plot

Citizen Kane follows the life of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper magnate whose rise to power and subsequent fall from grace are explored through a series of flashbacks. The story begins with Kane's death in his opulent mansion, Xanadu, where his last word, "Rosebud," sparks curiosity among journalists seeking to uncover the meaning behind it. As they investigate, they interview various people from Kane's life, including his friends, colleagues, and former lovers, each providing different perspectives on his complex character. The narrative delves into Kane's ambitious pursuit of success, his impact on journalism, and his tumultuous personal relationships. Throughout the film, themes of power, loss, and the elusive nature of happiness are examined, ultimately painting a portrait of a man whose wealth and influence could not fill the void in his life.

Characters

• Orson Welles plays Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper magnate whose life story unfolds through flashbacks after his death, revealing the complexities of his character and ambitions.
• Joseph Cotten plays Jedediah Leland, Kane's best friend and critic, who provides insights into Kane's character and rise to power through his testimonial to a reporter.
• Dorothy Comingore plays Susan Alexander Kane, the second wife of Charles Foster Kane. Her relationship and opera career are central to Kane's emotional and social decline.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Citizen Kane, the narrative culminates in the revelation of Charles Foster Kane's final word, "Rosebud." Throughout the film, various characters reflect on Kane's life, revealing his rise to power and subsequent isolation. The investigative journey of a reporter seeking to understand the meaning of Kane's last word serves as the backbone of the story. As the film concludes, the reporter's search leads him to Kane's childhood sled, which is discovered among his possessions. The sled, named Rosebud, symbolizes Kane's lost innocence and the happiness of his early years before wealth and ambition consumed him. This poignant moment underscores the central theme of the film: the emptiness of material success and the longing for simpler times. The ending resolves the main conflict by illustrating that despite his vast fortune and influence, Kane was ultimately unfulfilled and unable to find true happiness. The audience is left to ponder the complexities of Kane's character and the nature of his legacy. The final scenes emphasize the futility of trying to define a man's life through his achievements, as the true essence of Kane lies in the memories of his childhood, encapsulated in the single word, Rosebud.