Citizen Kane is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and it’s filled with iconic and memorable quotes. The film is largely the product of Orson Welles, the 20th-century film icon who wrote it, produced it, directed it, and starred in it as the titular character. Citizen Kane tells the story of Charles Foster Kane from the perspective of a reporter investigating his life after he’s passed away, exploring the meaning of his enigmatic final words. The film’s complex characters and thought-provoking themes have allowed it to remain a relevant piece of cinema for nearly a century.
Citizen Kane explores ideas of ambition, making social commentaries on the corruption of power and human emptiness that comes with material wealth. It also explores ideas of love, loss, and mortality, all of which are reflected in the film’s quotes. The screenplay, by Orson Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz, is filled with precise and witty dialogue. Charles Foster Kane, in particular, has beautifully written and mysterious lines, with a shroud of intrigue constantly surrounding his character. The unbelievable dialogue and timeless thematic depth have made Citizen Kane one of the best movies of all time.
10 “If The Headline Is Big Enough, It Makes The News Big Enough.”
Citizen Kane explores ideas about American journalistic practices through the character of Charles Foster Kane. Early in the film, Kane shares his approach to journalism, emphasizing the importance of grabbing attention and capturing public interest over the value of the news itself. Kane understands the great power of media and how it can be used to manipulate public perception, and the quote, “Mr. Carter, if the headline is big enough, it makes the news big enough,” is about sensationalism.
9 “You Provide The Prose Poems; I’ll Provide The War.”
Another quote from Charles Foster Kane about the power of media is, “Dear Wheeler: you provide the prose poems. I’ll provide the war.” Kane is willing to use his media empire to influence public opinion and geopolitical events, exploring questions about the ethics of media moguls. In Kane’s later years, he’s self-reflective on the effect power and wealth had on him. The combination of nuanced social commentary and character study is why Citizen Kane is called one of the greatest movies ever.
8 “I Only Saw Her For One Second.”
When asked for his thoughts about the meaning of “Rosebud,” Mr. Bernstein explains that it could’ve been about a girl. He argues that some thoughts stick with a person throughout their whole lives, saying “A white dress she had on. She was carrying a white parasol. I only saw her for one second. She didn’t see me at all, but I’ll bet a month hasn’t gone by since that I haven’t thought of that girl.” The speech is about the power of memory and how one beautiful moment can remain with a person forever.
7 “I Just Try Everything I Can Think Of.”
Another quote from Charles Foster Kane about journalism is, “I don’t know how to run a newspaper, Mr. Thatcher; I just try everything I can think of.” The line reflects Kane’s ambitious and at times reckless approach to media and life. Kane is a driven man, willing to pursue different ventures and projects in his relentless desire for success, which is ultimately what costs him happiness and contentment in his life.
6 “I Guess We’re Both Lonely.”
In a scene between Susan Alexander Kane and Charles Foster Kane before they’ve married. Susan Alexander expresses, “I don’t know many people,” to which Kane replies, “I know too many people. I guess we’re both lonely.” Kane suggests that even though he knows many people, the relationships aren’t built on meaningful foundations. The quote has connotations about loneliness and isolation, speaking to the value of genuine emotional connection.
5 “Well, It’s No Trick To Make A Lot Of Money.”
Another fantastic quote in the exchange between Jerry Thompson and Mr. Bernstein is the latter’s disregard for making a lot of money as a form of success. He says, “Well, it’s no trick to make a lot of money… if all you want is to make a lot of money.” This is one of the many quotes alluding to how Kane’s pursuit of wealth led to his ultimately unfulfilled life. Bernstein suggests that anyone can acquire great wealth if they’re willing to sacrifice their values, their passions, or anything else they may care about.
4 “I Can Remember Everything.”
In a scene where Jedediah Leland is questioned regarding Charles Foster Kane, the man shares an interesting philosophy about memory. He says, “I can remember everything. That’s my curse, young man. It’s the greatest curse that’s ever been inflicted on the human race: memory.” Leland and Kane have had a troubled history, with their business partnership falling apart. The quote suggests that memory forces human beings to carry the burdens of the past with them.
3 “It’s The Only Disease, Mr. Thompson, That You Don’t Look Forward To Being Cured Of.”
Another great line from Mr. Bernstein is, “Old age. It’s the only disease, Mr. Thompson, that you don’t look forward to being cured of.” He shares this wisdom with reporter Jerry Thompson, offering a somber message about aging and acceptance of mortality. The “cure” for old age that he refers to is death, reflecting on the process of aging and the natural cycle of life.
2 “Rosebud…”
The last word spoken by Charles Foster Kane, “Rosebud,” sets up the central mystery of the film. The meaning of “rosebud” is in large part the explanation for Citizen Kane, as the quote represents the unfulfilled life and humanity that Kane lost in his pursuit of wealth and power. While he may have great achievements, he died believing that his life lacked meaning, using his last words to hone in on a moment from his childhood before he lost his innocence.
1 “If I Hadn’t Been Very Rich, I Might Have Been A Really Great Man.”
In a conversation with Walter Parks Thatcher, Kane reflects on his life saying, “You know, Mr. Thatcher, if I hadn’t been very rich, I might have been a really great man.” Thatcher is the epitome of a businessman and doesn’t understand Kane’s desire to want more in his life. Kane despises Thatcher and suggests that in a better life, he would’ve been what Thatcher hated, someone who wasn’t corrupted by material gain. The Citizen Kane quote implies that there are more meaningful ways to achieve greatness than just the acquisition of wealth, showing Kane’s regret toward his life.
