Another lazy Sunday. While the remote control flipped back and forth from “Monk” to “Murder She Wrote” episodes, (Yes, another marathon with Jessica Fletcher solving murders all day) I stumbled upon a movie I hadn’t seen in years. “Citizen Kane” is an award winning 1941, American classic, starring and directed by the talented Orson Welles. I’d forgotten all the intricate flash backs and symbolism woven within the black-and-white scenes. But, I did remember “Rosebud.”
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CITIZEN KANE: After Kane’s death…
Female reporter: If you could’ve found out what Rosebud meant, I bet that would’ve explained everything.
Thompson: No, I don’t think so; no. Mr. Kane was a man who got everything he wanted and then lost it. Maybe Rosebud was something he couldn’t get, or something he lost. Anyway, it wouldn’t have explained anything… I don’t think any word can explain a man’s life. No, I guess Rosebud is just a… piece in a jigsaw puzzle… a missing piece.
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Charles Foster Kane went from rags to riches, acquiring phenomenal wealth and power, but never finding true happiness. He ended up alone and miserable, with only the word “Rosebud” whispered in his final breath. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? If all the money and power in the world can’t bring you happiness, then what can? Maybe, looking everywhere for happiness and love is the problem, because it’s already there inside of you. You have to be able to give love to find love.
I didn’t want to give away the “Rosebud” symbolism in case you hadn’t seen the movie. If you are one of the five people on the planet who hasn’t seen it yet, put it on your bucket list of classic movies to see. It’s an oldie but a goodie.
Toni Andrukaitis 