"Kane, we are told, loved only his mother--only his newspaper--only his second wife--only
himself. Maybe he loved all of these, or none. It is for the audience to judge. Kane was selfish
and selfless, an idealist, a scoundrel, a very big man or a very little one. It depends on who's
talking about him. He is never judged with the objectivity of an author, and the point of the
picture is not so much the solution of the problem as its presentation." --Orson Welles, director
Name:
Block:
Date:
It is important for us to demonstrate our understanding of a film—we analyze and interpret the
film for its intentional technique and narrative. Through this, we can recognize the
characterization, plot, themes, etc. Directions: After watching Citizen Kane, answer 5 out of
the 10 following questions. You must respond with a well thought out response for each question
(at least 1 paragraph). Make sure to include specific examples from the film. Be prepared to
share your insight with the class. (20 points)
1. Was Kane a “good” person, overall (based on his portrayal)? Why or why not?
2. What about this story makes it appealing and entertaining to people today?
3. What is the primary “takeaway”? What message did Orson Welles want to communicate
to the audience?
4. The original title of Citizen Kane was American in the initial script, which was not much
changed in its final version. Which is the better title? What is recognizably “American”
in Kane’s characteristics as a protagonist? How is this a distinctly “American” story?
5. What are some of the themes of this movie?
6. Compare and contrast the circumstances surrounding Kane’s two marriages, and how
Welles chooses to depict these relationships.
7. Aside from “Rosebud,” are there any emblems, signs, tokens, or physical objects that in
your mind, seem deliberate in this film?
8. Is “Rosebud” just a gimmick that drives the plot but means little in itself or has it a more
important significance?
9. Compare the five narrator’s stories of Kane’s life. What do they have in common? What
is different about them? Consider what each narrator chooses to reveal to Mr. Thompson
(reporter). What do these choices tell you about the narrator’s feelings about Kane?
10. How does Kane change overtime? What is his greatest desire? Does he achieve it?