Credit WAMC
When it comes to films about Hollywood history, the more cynical the presentation, the more audiences relish them. That concept has influenced the creation of Mank, a recent black-and-white arty release, written and directed by David Fincher and being streamed on Netflix.
Mank gives viewers a stylized pseudo-insider look at Hollywood in 1933 and 1940. Herman Mankiewicz, played exceptionally well by Gary Oldman, is seen writing the screenplay of Citizen Kane in 1941 for young Orson Welles, who would co-write, direct and star. The real Mank, was a contract screenwriter for Paramount from 1926-32, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1933-40, and RKO from 1944-48. He was clever, literate, outspoken, apparently a generous guy, but, in spite of his talents, an unhealthy alcoholic. As many other heavy drinkers, he only lived to age 55.
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Typically, on the set, nobody wields more power than the director, whose vision as a storyteller brings the disparate elements of filmmaking together into a coherent, gripping, moving, and, if the stars are aligned correctly, highly profitable work of art. The egos, tirades, eccentricities, and influence of these Hollywood heavyweights are legendary, but they’re not the only power brokers in Tinsel Town.
Others have egos just as large or larger, possess even more clout, and hold greater sway in the entertainment business. Some are producers. Others are stars who are supposed to work for the very directors they oppose. When such titans collide, someone is bound to fall. Fortunately, many of their defeats, though humbling, are usually temporary, as directors of their stature and accomplishment are too valuable and talented to sideline for long.
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The best advice is probably just to skip Mank, watch Citizen Kane, and read a biography of the Mankiewicz brothers. Youâll have a far better time.
A still from Netflix s Mank  (2020). Photo: IMDB
I thought
Mank was an atrocious film, which is odd. I mean, surely this David Fincherâdirected Netflix project was practically made for me.
Iâm one of those freaks who really cares about the career of screenwriter Herman J. âMankâ Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) and his battle with media wunderkind Orson Welles (Tom Burke) over the writing credit on
Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz and Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies. Picture: NETFLIX
- Credit: NETFLIX
Royston’s community cinema reopens this weekend with a programme of films ahead of Christmas.
Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies, Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz and Jamie McShane as Shelly Metcalf in Mank, which can be seen at Royston Picture Palace. Picture: NETFLIX
- Credit: NETFLIX
Based in Royston Town Hall, Mank (12A) will be the first film screened at Royston Picture Palace following the second national lockdown.
Starring Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried and Charles Dance, Mank can be seen at the cinema in Melbourn Street on Friday, December 18 at 7.30pm.
J.P. Devine Movie Review: ‘Mank’
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Mank. The man who wrote “Citizen Kane.”
Tell me you’ve never seen “Citizen Kane.” Of course you have. Turner Classics runs it almost monthly.
MOVIE INFO
Biography, comedy, drama
1930’s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of Citizen Kane.
Length: 131 minutes
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins |
You’ve seen the young Orson Welles as Charles Foster Kane rip up a bedroom in one long take, clutter up Hearst Castle with art from all Europe, run for public office and be smashed to the ground.