MANK

Behind-the-scenes drama of Citizen Kane's creation

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About MANK

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: R

Run time: 2h 12m

Cast
Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Charles Dance, Lily Collins, Arliss Howard, Tom Pelphrey, Sam Troughton, Ferdinand Kingsley, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Burke, Joseph Cross, Jamie McShane, Toby Leonard Moore, Monika Gossmann

About MANK

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About

MANK is a 2020 drama film directed by David Fincher. The film tells the story of Herman J. Mankiewicz, a washed-up alcoholic screenwriter, as he races to finish the screenplay for "Citizen Kane." The film explores Mankiewicz's tumultuous journey and his complex relationship with his colleague Orson Welles. It is a mesmerizing portrayal of Hollywood's Golden Age and the creation of one of the greatest films in history.

Making / Production

MANK was produced by Ceán Chaffin, Eric Roth, and Douglas Urbanski. The screenplay was written by Jack Fincher, the late father of director David Fincher. The film was shot in black and white to capture the nostalgic ambiance of the 1930s and 1940s. The production team meticulously recreated the sets and costumes of that era to provide an authentic experience for the audience.

Actors

  • Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz - Oldman delivers a powerful performance as the witty and troubled screenwriter. He expertly portrays Mankiewicz's emotional journey and captures the essence of the character.
  • Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies - Seyfried shines as the talented actress and mistress of William Randolph Hearst. She brings charm and depth to her role, creating a memorable portrayal of Davies.
  • Lily Collins as Rita Alexander - Collins plays Mankiewicz's secretary and confidante. She brings intelligence and compassion to her role, providing a strong supporting character.
  • Charles Dance as William Randolph Hearst - Dance portrays the influential media tycoon with commanding presence and charisma.
  • Arliss Howard as Louis B. Mayer - Howard captures the essence of the studio mogul, portraying Mayer as a formidable and sometimes ruthless figure.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • MANK is based on the true story of the writing of "Citizen Kane," which is often considered one of the greatest films ever made.
  • The film's screenplay was written by David Fincher's late father, Jack Fincher, in the 1990s.
  • David Fincher financed a significant portion of the film himself to ensure creative control.
  • The film pays homage to the visual style and narrative structure of "Citizen Kane," using similar techniques to tell its story.
  • MANK received critical acclaim for its performances, cinematography, and attention to detail in recreating the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Awards

MANK has received several awards and nominations, including:

  • Academy Awards (Oscars): Best Production Design - Won
  • Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor (Gary Oldman) - Nominated
  • Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Nominated

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
  • "The studio gave me a contract. They didn't give me a job." - Herman J. Mankiewicz
  • "People will think what I tell them to think." - Orson Welles

Music / Soundtrack

The original score for MANK was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The soundtrack captures the spirit of the time period, incorporating jazz and orchestral elements to enhance the film's ambiance.