Chi-chi Kane: An Accurate Depiction of William Randolph Hearst’s Life in Orson Welles' Masterpiece and Its Impact

Orson Welles' 1941 film, Citizen Kane, has stood the test of time as a critical and artistic masterpiece. However, the film's portrayal of a media magnate, encapsulated in the character of Charles Foster Kane, has long been a subject of debate and speculation. Many have speculated about the film's inspiration, with many pointing to William Randolph Hearst as the basis for the character.

Biographical Details and Inspiration

There is limited biographical information in the film that even teases a possible connection to William Randolph Hearst. The grand properties, extensive collection, and ownership of a newspaper, among many others, build a rough sketch of Hearst. His fortune, amassed without personal effort, is mentioned in brief. However, it is not the factual accuracy of the biographical details that most intrigued critics and viewers but rather the portrayal of Hearst's megalomania and narcissism.

Charles Foster Kane's character is often seen as a ruthless and deeply narcissistic figure, mirroring aspects of Hearst's life and personality. Welles and screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz captured the essence of Hearst's complex character, highlighting his self-importance and the persona he constructed for the public.

The Public and Private Persona

Hearst, along with others like Hedda Hopper and Walter Winchell, found the film's portrayal deeply objectionable. They felt that it exposed his inner weaknesses, his lack of humanity, and the facade he had maintained for so long. Welles' portrayal, biting yet nuanced, suggests that Hearst was not as sophisticated or as clever as he thought he was. The character's encounter with the newspaper editor, Thatcher, and later, his relationship with Susan Alexander, are portrayed in ways that reveal a man ruling on the surface but deeply insecure and childish beneath the surface.

The film's handling of these themes caught the public's ire. But it is Welles' brazenness in critiquing a tycoon through the very medium he controlled that made Hearst particularly upset. Hearst's belief in the power of his own story and his supposed invincibility in the eyes of the public was shattered, a shocking revelation for a man who prided himself on his control over media narratives.

Historical Context and Widespread Themes

William Randolph Hearst, Henry Ford, and Charles Lindbergh all shared similar traits, including racism, narcissism, megalomania, and a profound sense of superiority over the common people. These individuals believed that they could control public perception and history, a sentiment encapsulated in the film through Kane's character.

Lindbergh and Ford were deeply antisemitic, their attitudes reflecting a broader trend of unilateral beliefs in the 1930s and 1940s. Their affair with the public masked their true character, a parallel that is chillingly depicted in Citizen Kane. Despite their efforts, they were not capable of fooling the masses, and their characterizations in the film reflect this foible.

Other Works and Legacy

Welles' foray into the world of megalomaniacal characters in The Magnificent Ambersons further cemented his reputation as a director delving into the lives of those who believed themselves to be above others. This film, though critically acclaimed, suffered significant cuts by the studio and was not widely released at the time. Nevertheless, it stands as a testament to Welles' continued exploration of larger-than-life personalities and their tragic fates.

Conclusion

While Citizen Kane may not be a biographically accurate account of William Randolph Hearst’s life, it is a profound exploration of his character and the impact of his actions on society. Orson Welles, through his directorial genius, brought to life a man complex enough to mirror the public figure of Hearst but also deeply flawed and human. The film's enduring legacy lies not in its factual accuracy but in its psychological depth and the timeless themes it explores.

Key Concepts:

Orson Welles Citizen Kane William Randolph Hearst Biographical Accuracy Narcissism and Megalomania

References:

Welles, O. (1941). Citizen Kane. Rialto Pictures. Schickel, R. (1976). Orson Welles: The Hammer and the Soul. Da Capo Press. Felton, K. (2001). The Man Who Made Miracles at RKO. University of California Press.