The Complete 'Citizen Kane' Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Complete 'Citizen Kane'.
The Complete 'Citizen Kane' Ending Explained: Documentary looking at Orson Welles and the production of the film CITIZEN KANE fifty years ago, considering the furore that accompanied it and the real life press baron William Randolph Hearst upon whom Kane is based, and his efforts to halt the film, destroy the negative and persecution of people involved with its production and showing. Directed by the director, this 1991 documentary film stars Leslie Megahey (Narrator), alongside William Alland as "News on the March" narrator, Jill Evans as "Citizen Hearts" narrator, Orson Welles as Self (archive footage). Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Complete 'Citizen Kane'?
Documentary looking at Orson Welles and the production of the film CITIZEN KANE fifty years ago, considering the furore that accompanied it and the real life press baron William Randolph Hearst upon whom Kane is based, and his efforts to halt the film, destroy the negative and persecution of people involved with its production and showing. It includes BBC interviews with Welles made in 1960 and 1982, and film historian Robert Carringer looks at the scenes that never made it to the screen. American film critic Pauline Kael also analyses the film's enduring appeal. Extracts from "The RKO Story" (producer: Rosemary Wilton) and "Yesterday's Whitness" (producers: Christopher Cook and Stephen Peet).
the director's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Leslie Megahey (Narrator)'s journey. It includes BBC interviews with Welles made in 1960 and 1982, and film historian Robert Carringer looks at the scenes that never made it to the screen.
How Does Leslie Megahey (Narrator)'s Story End?
- Leslie Megahey: Leslie Megahey's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- William Alland ("News on the March" narrator): William Alland's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jill Evans ("Citizen Hearts" narrator): Jill Evans's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Complete 'Citizen Kane' Mean?
The ending of The Complete 'Citizen Kane' brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Leslie Megahey's story may not satisfy all audiences.