Beyond Citizen Kane

Beyond Citizen Kane is a compelling British documentary film that delves deeply into the world of Brazilian television, media control, and political influences. Released in 1993, the film was directed by Simon Hartog and features notable Brazilianpolitical figures and musicians including Leonel Brizola, Chico Buarque, and Walter Clark.

With its unconventional title, Beyond Citizen Kane alludes to the famous Orson Welles film Citizens Kane, a fictional portrayal of the media mogul William Randolph Hearst. In this case, the film makes an analogue between Hearst's media influence and the Brazilian network Rede Globo's alleged power over Brazilian society and politics. The film’s intention is not to diminish the power or impact of Citizen Kane, but to look past it, “beyond” it, and provide an insightful analysis of a similar phenomenon in a different period and political landscape, namely Brazil.

The documentary holds a stark lens up to Brazil's largest television network, Globo, owned by the Marinho Family, making an explicit comparison to the notorious character of Charles Foster Kane in the Orson Welles movie. It investigates its influence over the country’s culture, politics, and economy, where it is purported to have an ability to shape public opinion and impart immense political might. The film also touches upon the pressing issue of media consolidation and the role it plays in power structures.

Leonel Brizola, a politician, and Chico Buarque, a musician, appear as keen critiques of Globo’s concentration of media and political power. The inclusion of Walter Clark, a former executive at Globo, provides an insider’s perspective of the network. This infusion of varied voices and perspectives helps enhance the narrative of the documentary, making it a compelling watch. It uses a collection of publicly available footage, as well as exclusive interviews, to create a complex vision of the global media landscape and to explore the implications of one entity holding so much power.

While primarily a critique of Rede Globo and its influences, Beyond Citizen Kane is more broadly a meticulous examination of the media’s interaction with politics and culture. It scrutinizes how media can shape public opinion, promote specific political parties, or suppress political opposition. The film’s objective is to provoke its audience to think critically about the information received from media sources and to reflect on the degree of influence they hold over public discourse.

Beyond its primary focus, the film also sheds light on Brazilian history and the socio-political dynamics that have led to the current status quo. It educates the viewer about the military dictatorship in Brazil (1964-1985) during which Rede Globo’s power solidified, subsequently shaping the country’s democratic transition.

However, the documentary is more than just a historical piece or a critique of Rede Globo. It is a conversation starter on the democratic implications of concentrated media power. It challenges us to question, critique, and understand the reach of media conglomerates in the contemporary world.

The film is insightful, incisive, and provocative. It is essential viewing for anyone interested in media studies, politics, or Brazilian culture and history. Although Beyond Citizen Kane was released in the early 1990s, its themes are timeless and resonate globally in any place where media might influence the political landscape.