The Mismatch Between William Randolph Hearst and Orson Welles' Charles Foster Kane

William Randolph Hearst and the iconic character Charles Foster Kane, played by Orson Welles in the 1941 film Citizen Kane, share more than just a common theme. They are often discussed in tandem due to the striking similarities between their characters and real-life counterparts. However, a deeper dive into their biographies reveals that while the parallels are undeniable, the vast differences between the two figures are equally significant. This article explores the similarities and the unique characteristics of each, to understand why they are so often compared and contrasted.

Media Mogul: The Public Persona

Both William Randolph Hearst and Charles Foster Kane were media moguls who rose to prominence during the early 20th century. Hearst built a vast media empire comprising multiple newspapers and magazines, known for their cutting-edge journalism and coverage of controversial topics. In Citizen Kane, Kane, through his powerful newspaper, wielded significant influence over public opinion, thus mirroring Hearst's own strategies. However, while both figures strategically used their media platforms for personal gain and political influence, Kane's character is more broadly illustrated and less overtly personified.

Ambition and Power: The Quest for Influence

William Randolph Hearst and Charles Foster Kane share a common thread in their relentless pursuit of power and influence. Hearst was known for his ambitious personality and strides in the newspaper industry. His media empire was built on a platform of bold and often sensational journalism, which allowed him to shape political discussions and public opinion. Similarly, Kane is depicted as a powerful newspaper magnate who used his publications to shape society, blurring the lines between accurate news and entertaining sensationalism. While both figures sought to influence politics and society through their media control, the nature of Kane's character is more literary, capturing a broader narrative of power dynamics.

Personal Life and Relationships: The Private Reality

Both William Randolph Hearst and Charles Foster Kane had tumultuous personal lives marked by complex relationships, particularly with women and political figures. Kane's character, reflecting Hearst's relationship with actress Marion Davies, paints a nuanced portrait of the personal and public personas, both filled with contradictions and vulnerabilities. However, while Hearst's real-life interactions were multifaceted and deeply private, Kane's character is more of a fictional embodiment of these traits, allowing for a fuller exploration of the human condition.

Wealth and Extravagance: The Luxe Lifestyle

Both William Randolph Hearst and Charles Foster Kane were known for their extravagant lifestyles. Hearst was famous for the construction of his opulent estate, Hearst Castle, which served as a testament to his wealth and audacious taste. Likewise, Xanadu, the grandiose mansion of Kane, symbolizes the wealth and luxury that accompanied his power. However, the emptiness that accompanied such lavish lifestyles is more explicitly highlighted in Kane's character, reflecting the deeper existential themes of isolation and futility.

The Public Persona vs. Private Reality

William Randolph Hearst and Charles Foster Kane both cultivated public personas that often concealed their inner vulnerabilities. This duality is explored extensively in Citizen Kane, where Kane's journey through life highlights the complexities of power and how it can breed isolation. Hearst himself experienced similar isolation as he faced challenges to his media empire, reflecting themes of loneliness and disillusionment. Yet, the depth and breadth of these themes in the character of Kane extend beyond Hearst's life, capturing the broader narrative of the human experience.

From Citizen Kane to Mank: The Hollywood Perspective

The 2020 film Mank, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, emphasized a different narrative perspective on William Randolph Hearst. It suggested that Herman Mankiewicz, the writer of Citizen Kane, specifically wrote the script to focus on Hearst. The film's portrayal of the writing process and the tension between Welles and Mankiewicz provides a unique insight into the creative and personal lives that shaped the initial screenplay. According to Mank, Welles was not initially interested in a story specifically about Hearst but chose to incorporate a character that embodied the broader themes of Hollywood and the American dream.

While Citizen Kane is a fictional narrative inspired by Hearst's life, it encompasses broader themes about power, loss, and the human experience that extend beyond the specific incidents in Hearst's life. This duality underscores the richness of the narrative and the enduring appeal of the character Charles Foster Kane.

In conclusion, the similarities between William Randolph Hearst and Charles Foster Kane are undeniable, serving as a compelling bridge between reality and fiction. While both figures were ambitious media moguls, private individuals, and influencers of their respective times, their shared stories and individual journeys provide a fascinating exploration of power, wealth, and the human condition. The differences, however, offer a broader perspective on the themes that resonate beyond individual biographies, making them a timeless subject of study and reflection.