Citizen Kane and the Critique of the American Dream

Since its inception, America has symbolized power and prosperity on the global stage.However, these symbols were severely crippled by the devastating effects of the Great Depression, leading to the evolution of a notion known as the "American Dream." James Truslow Adams defined this phrase in his book, The Epic of America, as "that American dream of a better, richer, and happier life for all our citizens of every rank." Despite the diverse varieties of race, religion, class, and beliefs within American society, one common idea stands—the American Dream.

This essay explores how Orson Welles' 1941 classic film, Citizen Kane, offers a compelling critique of this dream, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth and power can lead to spiritual erosion and moral corruption.

The American Dream Reimagined

In 1941, Orson Welles, a media sensation of his time, presented an alternate version of the American Dream in his landmark film Citizen Kane. As one film critic aptly described, the film suggests that the relentless pursuit of affluence may ultimately erode one's spirituality and lead to moral corruption. Welles not only produced and directed the film but also starred in it, with the screenplay credit shared with Herman J. Mankiewicz. The film was loosely based on the life story of media mogul William Randolph Hearst, which caused significant friction upon its release. Hearst's response to the portrayal of his life was an attempt to destroy the film or at least limit its success. Ultimately, Hearst was successful in terms of limiting theater and media exposure and financial success due to his vast ownership of media outlets. However, this did not stop the film from rolling out on opening day, May 1, 1941.

Welles used his film as an art form to communicate and introduce non-linear storytelling, unorthodox camera angles, innovative editing techniques, and creative lighting—all uncommon for the era. These factors helped create a film that would later be considered a masterpiece. The narrative follows Jerry Thompson, an investigative reporter, on his journey to find the meaning behind Charles Foster Kane's dying words, "Rosebud." Through a series of flashbacks and interviews with those closest to Kane, the true nature of Kane's character unfolds. The film highlights the complexity of a man who rose from nothing to staggering wealth—an embodiment of the American Dream.

The Corruption of Wealth and Power

The first flashback scene opens with Kane as a child, happily playing outside with a sled and throwing snowballs, a symbol of his innocence and security. Meanwhile, inside, his parents and their banker, Walter Thatcher, discuss the details of Kane's future. Kane's parents operate a boarding house in Colorado and were quite poor until they stumble upon ownership of a profitable gold mine. After acquiring sudden wealth, Kane's mother, without his father's approval, decides to sign guardianship of Kane over to Thatcher, hoping he would achieve the American Dream. Kane's mother shows a complete lack of emotion, especially remorsefulness, while signing the paperwork with Thatcher. This decision symbolizes the loss of Kane's childhood innocence and happiness.

As the film progresses, Kane's resentment towards Thatcher is revealed. He blames Thatcher for destroying his family and, more importantly, his childhood. Kane refers to Thatcher as his "ex-guardian" when introducing him to colleagues, highlighting his disdain. Despite having the opportunity to attend several Ivy League colleges, Kane is expelled from all of them, likely representing a form of rebellious behavior towards Thatcher. After an unsuccessful attempt at higher education, Kane decides to run a New York newspaper called The Inquirer. His goal is to protect decent, hard-working people from being exploited by money-driven individuals, a sentiment that aligns with the idealistic aspect of the American Dream. However, Thatcher is furious about this decision, as Kane's yellow journalism headlines undermine Thatcher's business interests. Kane's newspaper efforts become a million-dollar-a-year operation with no return investment, reflecting his disdain for financial success alone.

Kane's ambition to operate The Inquirer is evident, but he lacks the experience and staff needed for success. However, he buys his success by acquiring the best journalists from his rival newspaper to achieve his desired circulation. Over time, it becomes apparent that Kane is more interested in his self-image than in genuinely serving the community. While successful with his newspaper operation, Kane's next goal is to become the President of the United States. With hopes of reaching this goal, he marries Emily Norton, the niece of the U.S. President.

The Illusion of Success

Thompson's interviews reveal the deteriorating fashion of Kane's marriage to Norton and the scandal leading to the end of his political career. Kane's marriage slowly fades due to his devotion to The Inquirer, frequently sleeping at the office and leaving their house at random hours. However, his political career depends on their marriage, making divorce not an option for Kane. Kane's run for Governor of New York was anticipated to be a landslide victory until his opponent, Jim Gettys, discovers Kane's love affair with his mistress, Susan Alexander. Kane is given the ultimatum to withdraw from the campaign or be exposed for his affair. Despite pleas from his wife and mistress to accept his shortcomings, Kane refuses to accept defeat and chooses his mistress over his marriage, son, and political career. Consequently, newspaper headlines read, "Candidate Kane Caught in Love Nest with 'Singer," and Kane loses any possibility of the Presidency.

Kane and Alexander eventually marry, and Kane begins to build his castle, Xanadu, on 49,000 acres. The estate includes a zoo, statues that would fill ten museums, and accommodations for thousands of guests. Kane focuses all his attention on his wife's opera career, even though she is a terrible vocalist. In response, Kane builds his own opera house and finds a vocal teacher for her. However, her performance is ridiculed in every newspaper, including Kane's own The Inquirer. Kane's dream and eagerness to mold Alexander into a star opera singer lead to her attempted suicide. Combined with Kane's isolation to Xanadu and materialism, his wife leaves him, leaving him to die in his massive mansion alone, with nothing but his material possessions.

Conclusion

Citizen Kane was unique for its era because, instead of representing the American Dream, it questions the notion itself. The film suggests that the relentless pursuit of success, fame, wealth, power, and immortality can lead to one's corruption and eventual self-destruction. Kane's life serves as a cautionary tale, challenging audiences to reexamine contemporary concepts such as consumerism and the cost of exchanging emotional security for financial security. By portraying Kane's life as a series of lost opportunities for genuine human connection and happiness, Welles offers a profound critique of the American Dream, urging viewers to consider the true meaning of success and fulfillment. Through its innovative storytelling and compelling narrative, Citizen Kane remains a timeless exploration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream.

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