Citizen Kane: Money Can 'T Buy Happiness'

Citizen Kane's longevity is attributed to its ability to cast a light on contemporary values and criticize (or satire) their influence in operating a society. Many critics such as Robert Ebert claimed this film to be “the greatest movie of all time” 50 years after it was released. Orson Welles 1941 film incorporates a series of cinematic techniques to keep the viewer captivated by the plot whilst engaging with Welles depiction of; the emptiness and corruptive nature of wealth and the necessity of love.
Howard Hughes quote “Money can’t buy happiness” is a notion explored in Citizen Kane which allows the modern audience to challenge their perception on how desirable wealth is. Through the characterization of Charles Foster Kane, Welles portrays
The breakfast table montage succinctly portrays the disintegration of Kane’s first marriage. The camera zooms out to provide a long shot of Emily and Kane sat at opposite ends of the table to represent the distance created between them. On meeting Susan, Kane’s spontaneous decision to marry her is accompanied by establishing the palatial Xanadu as a token of relationship immortality. As this relationship progresses, Susan grows unhappy and confronts Kane with “You never give me anything I really care about (…) you just tried to buy me into giving you something”. The low angle shot of Kane as he slaps Susan is symbolic of his power and control. This scene illustrates Kane transcending his abusive relationship with his father onto his wives, as this is what he grew up to perceive love as. Hence, Kane’s unsuccessful relationships allow the modern audience to empathize with him as well as realize the vitality of love and maternal care in the upbringing of humans. (NEED TO ADD
The non-linear narrative of Kane’s life is told from five distinct perspectives and the only thing that the audience hears from Kane himself is his final word, “rosebud”. The long shot of the nurse entering the room through the shattered glass of the snow-globe is representative that nothing is seen as it is and prompts the viewer to ponder on the appearance vs the reality. Subsequent to signing the declaration of principles which state “I will provide the people of this city (…) all the news honestly” the low angle shot of Kane tearing up the “Declaration of Principles” is symbolic of him being prepared to distort the truth for his own image. Robert Eberts 1998 review supports this claim by stating that the film “covers the rise of the penny press (…) the growth of journalism” Thus, the modern audience is able to interpret the sincerity and genuineness of media, which is integral in contemporary times, and comprehend the impossibility of completely interpreting an individual’s