Citizen Kane, a 1941 American film drama directed by and starring Orson Welles, is a cultural milestone that offers considerable educational potential for students of various age groups. Known for its pathbreaking narrative structure and cinematographic techniques, the film tells the story of the life and eventual downfall of a wealthy media tycoon. But whose life was it based on? For educators seeking to engage their students in a deeper understanding of Citizen Kane, it is essential to examine the real-life inspirations behind this groundbreaking film.
Orson Welles co-wrote, produced, and directed Citizen Kane when he was just 25 years old. The central character, Charles Foster Kane, was primarily inspired by two prominent figures—William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. Both men were titans of the newspaper industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
William Randolph Hearst was one of America’s wealthiest and most influential newspaper magnates. Like Charles Foster Kane, he built an enormous media empire that included newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and movie studios. Hearst’s sensational approach to journalism—often called “yellow journalism”—helped create desirability for scandalous stories that gave him immense power in shaping public opinion.
Some of the most striking parallels between Hearst’s life and Citizen Kane can be found in the portrayal of the protagonist’s lavish estate named Xanadu. The fictional Xanadu bears significant resemblance to Hearst Castle at San Simeon in California; both massive estates housed impressive art collections and even featured their zoos.
Joseph Pulitzer was another newspaper mogul who contributed to shaping Charles Foster Kane’s character. Like Hearst, Pulitzer used sensationalism to sell newspapers— thus sparking what became known as the “newspaper wars.” Additionally, Pulitzer is recognized for founding the prestigious Pulitzer Prize given annually for outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and musical composition.
Although Hearst and Pulitzer were the major inspirations, some also argue that Citizen Kane was partly inspired by the life of Samuel Insull, a British-born American businessman who worked alongside Thomas Edison. Insull’s life was marked by extreme wealth and a sudden fall from grace, which mirrors Kane’s trajectory.
In conclusion, teaching students about Citizen Kane requires understanding the lives of William Randolph Hearst, Joseph Pulitzer, and possibly Samuel Insull. By drawing connections between the characters in this iconic film and their real-life counterparts, educators can help learners gain a deeper appreciation of art imitating life. Exploring the relationships between fiction and reality through Citizen Kane provides an engaging lens for students to examine themes such as the power of media, sensationalism, ambition, and hubris—all of which remain relevant today.
