Trump’s fascination with ‘Citizen Kane’ explored in ‘Trump’s Rosebud’.
Trump’s Rosebud: A Different Perspective on the Former President
Some tasks are nearly impossible. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Throwing a fastball north of 100 mph. Giving Donald Trump a fair shake in a documentary.
Movies like Dinesh D’Souza’s “Trump Card” and, more commonly, “#Unfit,” “You’ve Been Trumped” and Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9” arrived with built-in mission statements. Trump good. Trump bad. Trump Hitler 2.0.
“Trump’s Rosebud” offers something different. Truly.
Robert Orlando’s documentary looks at the former president through a curious lens. Trump’s favorite film is “Citizen Kane,” a tale loosely based on media mogul William Randolph Hearst. The 1941 classic is often considered the greatest movie ever made.
Why would Trump pick the film as his personal favorite? More importantly, what is Trump’s “Rosebud,” the elusive part of his past that speaks volumes about his pugnacious spirit?
Orlando indulges in some Michael Moore-style tics, inserting himself into the narrative much like the far-Left provocateur often does. The focus, however, remains on the titular Trump.
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The experts aligned to give depth to Trump’s life and career all lean to the Right, no doubt, but they range from all-out sycophants (Sebastian Gorka) to public servants who saw the best and worst of Trump up close (Former Attorney General Bill Barr).
Rounding out the talking head lineup? Blaze TV’s Steve Deace, a fierce Trump critic who still grasps why the GOP darling holds sway over the party.
“Clearly, Trump had a Kane-like drive for fame and attention,” Orlando says, backed by Barr noting the president was often his own worst enemy.
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What “Trump’s Rosebud” does is show why the real estate mogul ascended to the presidency when he did and how his curious skills proved so beneficial on the campaign trail.
“Rosebud” notes how other politicians would have turned and run at many points in Trump’s contentious days in the Oval Office. Day after day. False media report after false media report.
Not Trump. He thrived on it, be it the attention it gave him or the chance to fight back.
He never quits, never tires. Barr admits it’s a fascinating personal tic, and one that cuts both ways.
Those traits proved calamitous during the recent pandemic. His blustery touch was no match for a global threat like no other.
The film’s not-so-secret weapon is Barr, who worked closely enough with Trump to assess him in a fair manner. Trump slimed Barr on the way out, too, but Barr’s lawyerly pose allows him to call balls and strikes in a way that helps the viewer. The days of settling grudges in the public arena are behind Barr.
Trump makes it impossible for a consensus to form on anything he touches, including a documentary purporting to be fair and balanced. For now, “Trump’s Rosebud” is a clear-eyed testament to a fascinating figure, one that brings both clarity and balance to the subject.
And, chances are, few will agree with that summation.
What’s less up for debate? That Trump was and remains a symbol, and how his presence suggests the United States’ current divisions will only get worse.
To watch Trump’s Rosebud visit: www.trumpsrosebud.com
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of HollywoodInToto.com. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at @HollywoodInToto.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
How did Donald Trump’s relationship with the media shape his presidency and public opinion of him
E political arena. But Trump thrived on the controversy and used it to his advantage.
The documentary also provides a comprehensive look at Trump’s rise to fame in the 1980s and his subsequent ventures in real estate and reality television. It highlights his bold personality, his knack for self-promotion, and his ability to captivate audiences with his unfiltered and often controversial statements.
“Trump’s Rosebud” delves into the psyche of the man behind the public persona, exploring his motivations, his insecurities, and the events that shaped him into the polarizing figure he is today.
One of the film’s most thought-provoking elements is its exploration of Trump’s relationship with the media. It acknowledges his love-hate dynamic with the press, showcasing how he both relied on and clashed with journalists throughout his career.
“Rosebud” also raises important questions about the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the impact it had on Trump’s presidency.
While some critics may argue that “Trump’s Rosebud” lacks objectivity due to its predominantly right-leaning panel of experts, it succeeds in providing viewers with a fresh and nuanced perspective on the former president. The documentary challenges preconceived notions about Trump, encouraging viewers to see beyond the headlines and explore the complexities of his character.
Ultimately, “Trump’s Rosebud” serves as a reminder that understanding a figure as polarizing as Donald Trump requires more than just black and white narratives. It invites audiences to engage in critical thinking and reflection, encouraging them to question their own biases and consider alternative viewpoints.
“Rosebud” is not a puff piece nor a takedown. It is an exploration of a man who transcended traditional political norms and left an indelible mark on American history, for better or worse.
Whether one agrees with Trump’s policies or not, “Trump’s Rosebud” offers an opportunity for deeper analysis and a more comprehensive understanding of the man who occupied the highest office in the United States. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface-level narratives and explore the nuances of Trump’s character, motivations, and impact on American politics.
In a time of deep political divisions, “Trump’s Rosebud” invites us to foster empathy and open-mindedness in our examination of political figures, reminding us that understanding the complexities of individuals and their actions is crucial for meaningful dialogue and progress.
“Trump’s Rosebud” stands apart from the deluge of Trump documentaries by offering a unique perspective and a thought-provoking exploration of the former president. It asks us to set aside our preconceptions and delve into the complexities of Trump’s life and career, ultimately challenging us to critically reflect on his impact on American society.
So, whether you’re a staunch Trump supporter or a vehement critic, “Trump’s Rosebud” is a compelling watch that will leave you with a renewed understanding of the man who both fascinated and polarized the nation.
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