Mank

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 4, 2020

Genre
Biography, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz
• Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies
• Lily Collins as Rita Alexander
• Arliss Howard as Louis B. Mayer
• Tom Pelphrey as Joseph Mankiewicz
• Charles Dance as William Randolph Hearst
• Tom Burke as Orson Welles

Director
David Fincher

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Social Network (2010)
• Fight Club (1999)
• Gone Girl (2014)
• Se7en (1995)
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Producer
Ceán Chaffin, Eric Roth, Douglas Urbanski

Writer
Jack Fincher

Budget
$25 million

Production Company
Netflix, Panic Pictures

Running Time
131 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for some language)

Content Advisory

• Language
• Smoking and drinking
• Themes related to Hollywood politics and power

Movie Story
Mank is a black-and-white biographical drama that delves into the life of Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman), the legendary screenwriter who co-wrote Citizen Kane (1941) with Orson Welles. Set in 1930s Hollywood, the film chronicles Mankiewicz’s tumultuous journey as he struggles to write the screenplay for what would become one of the greatest films of all time.

The narrative alternates between Mankiewicz’s present-day efforts to complete the Citizen Kane script under tight deadlines and flashbacks to his earlier years in Hollywood, where he navigates the treacherous waters of the studio system. Mank’s relationships with powerful figures like media mogul William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) and Hearst’s mistress, actress Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried), play a central role in the story, revealing the political and social dynamics that influenced his work.

As Mank wrestles with his own demons, including alcoholism and a penchant for self-destruction, the film explores the intersection of art, politics, and personal ambition in Golden Age Hollywood. The screenplay, written by David Fincher’s father, Jack Fincher, offers a sharp, witty portrayal of Mankiewicz as a flawed genius whose work on Citizen Kane would cement his legacy in cinema history.

Mank is not just a tribute to classic Hollywood but also a critique of the industry’s power structures, highlighting the tensions between creative freedom and corporate control. The film’s intricate dialogue, period-accurate production design, and striking cinematography evoke the style of 1930s films, creating an immersive experience that pays homage to the era.

Special Effects
The special effects in Mank are subtle and designed to blend seamlessly with the film’s overall aesthetic. The black-and-white cinematography, combined with meticulous production design and digital effects, recreates the look and feel of classic Hollywood films from the 1930s and 1940s. Visual effects were used to enhance the period setting, including the recreation of historical locations and the seamless integration of actors into archival footage. The film’s attention to detail in its visual presentation adds to its authenticity, making it a true cinematic homage to the era it depicts.

Box Office Performance
Mank was released by Netflix and had a limited theatrical run, focusing primarily on streaming. The film received widespread critical acclaim and generated significant awards season buzz, particularly for its direction, screenplay, and performances. While it wasn’t a major box office draw, its success on Netflix and its impact during awards season solidified its place as one of the standout films of 2020.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Victorville, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You cannot capture a man’s entire life in two hours. All you can hope is to leave the impression of one.” – Herman J. Mankiewicz
• “If you keep telling the same sad story, you will begin to believe it.” – Marion Davies
• “I never thought I’d be jealous of a writer.” – Orson Welles

Behind-the-Scenes

• The screenplay for Mank was written by Jack Fincher, David Fincher’s father, in the 1990s. The project was a passion project for David Fincher, who waited decades to bring it to the screen.
• The film was shot entirely in black and white to evoke the aesthetic of 1930s and 1940s Hollywood films, with the cinematography inspired by the visual style of Citizen Kane.
• Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Herman J. Mankiewicz was widely praised, with many considering it one of the best performances of his career.

Awards

• Academy Awards: Won 2 Oscars (Best Cinematography, Best Production Design); Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Gary Oldman), and Best Supporting Actress (Amanda Seyfried)
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for 6 awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director
• BAFTA Awards: Won for Best Production Design and Best Cinematography; Nominated for 6 awards, including Best Actor (Gary Oldman)

Final Verdict
Mank is a masterful homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, brought to life by David Fincher’s meticulous direction and Gary Oldman’s outstanding performance. The film’s black-and-white aesthetic, sharp screenplay, and immersive production design create a rich, atmospheric experience that transports viewers to the world of 1930s Hollywood. While its complex narrative and insider references may appeal more to cinephiles and fans of classic cinema, Mank is a compelling exploration of the intersection between art and industry, making it a must-watch for those interested in film history and the legacy of Citizen Kane.

IMDb Rating
6.8/10