A new film by David Fincher.
The story of Mank is based on the true story of Herman Mankiewicz, an influential screenwriter and producer in Hollywood in the 30s. The main plot of the film is the process of the screenwriting of Citizen Kane (1941), which would later go on to win the Oscar for the best original screenplay. This is not only more complex than usual because Mank is recovering from a car accident and kept from his beloved liquor by the studio, but also because he needs to please filmmaker prodigy Orson Welles, who will be directing the film. In addition to this, the film details the inspiration for Mank's screenplay in flashbacks: The protagonist Kane is famously based on William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon.
This combination is mainly a treat for film fans, and it definitely helps to be interested in Hollywood, its studio system at the time and the work of Herman Mankiewicz and his brother Joe, Orson Welles as well as Louis B Mayer, David O. Selznick and so on. Many of these studio bosses, producers and writers are shown in the film, and the system at the time is well-shown. It is also possible, however, to watch this film without any of all that knowledge and still enjoy it, because the craftsmanship of director Fincher is as always on point.
The script for Mank was written by Fincher's late father, and the film took some time to be made because Fincher wanted it to be shot in black and white in a similar style as Citizen Kane. Luckily, nowadays it is sometimes possible to bring such projects to life with the help of an unusual studio, in this case Netflix. (The film is released both to the cinema and the screaming service.) The cast brought together by Fincher is stellar, with Oscar winner Gary Oldman as Mank, and Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, Tuppence Middleton and Charles Dance in other roles. Oldman is impressive as always, and the role allows him to show a wide range of emotions.
A political component adds another layer to the story, which makes it very topical in 2020 (which is interesting in terms of timing, as the script is many years old). In the flashbacks throughout the film, the process of the gubernatorial race in California in 1934 is important, and shows a bitter fight between a Republican and a Democrat (Merriam vs. Sinclair). Mank, like many creative members of Hollywood at the time, is a Democrat, but some forces in the film business have other plans, and use their influence. This part of the plot adds a moral level to the story which I found very interesting, and shows us a different take on some of the Hollywood stars.
The filming in black and white is stunning, and evokes the era of Citizen Kane. Some of the cinematography is visually masterful, as the following images show. Especially the framing and some details are beautiful. The constant smoking in some scenes also gives nice possibilities reminiscent of the film noir era.
Overall, this is certainly a masterpiece which will please film lovers and critics, and is likely to receive critical acclaim and accolades. Whether it will be commercially successful is another story, but it will certainly add to David Fincher's reputation of a brilliant filmmaker.
Currently in cinemas and coming to Netflix this week. Definitely worth seeing on the big screen if you can manage to go to the cinema.