Watch Beyond Citizen Kane

Beyond Citizen Kane is a documentary produced by filmmaker Simon Hartog in 1993. The film examines the role of media in Brazilian politics, focusing in particular on the rise of television network Rede Globo and its founder, Roberto Marinho. The film begins by discussing the political climate in Brazil in the 1960s, when the military junta seized power and suppressed dissent. At the same time, Rede Globo was launched, and it quickly became the dominant television network in the country. The film suggests that Marinho used his media power to support the military regime and suppress any opposition.

The documentary features interviews with several prominent Brazilians, including politicians, journalists, and artists. Former Rio de Janeiro governor Leonel Brizola is a central figure in the film, and he speaks at length about his battles with Rede Globo and Marinho. The film argues that Brizola's left-wing politics and support for workers' rights made him a target of the network, and that Marinho used his media power to try and destroy Brizola's career.

Another prominent interviewee is songwriter and musician Chico Buarque, who reflects on his own experiences with censorship during the military dictatorship. He talks about how his songs were banned from the airwaves, and how he had to perform under a pseudonym to avoid arrest. Buarque also discusses the role of Rede Globo in promoting a specific image of Brazilian culture, one that was often at odds with his own artistic vision.

The film also delves into the history of journalism in Brazil, and how the country's newspapers were often co-opted by powerful politicians and business interests. Journalist and historian Walter Clark provides insights into this history, and he speaks about how the rise of television in the 20th century transformed the media landscape in Brazil.

Throughout the film, the viewer is presented with a powerful critique of Rede Globo and its founder. The film argues that Marinho's political influence was often hidden behind a veneer of impartial journalism, and that his network's programming played a significant role in shaping public opinion in Brazil. The film also suggests that Marinho's legacy lives on today, with his family continuing to exert power in Brazilian media and politics.

Beyond Citizen Kane is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges viewers to consider the relationship between media and politics. The film raises important questions about the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the need for a free and independent press in a democratic society. Through its powerful storytelling and use of archival footage, the film provides a compelling analysis of Brazil's media landscape, and the ways in which it has been used to further political agendas.