RKO 281

About RKO 281

"RKO 281" is a 1999 television film that aired on HBO. It provides a semi-fictionalized account of the behind-the-scenes dramatization during the making of the iconic film, "Citizen Kane". The title RKO 281 refers to the original production number assigned to "Citizen Kane".

The film, drawing heavily from Hollywood insider gossip and real events, offers an intense depiction of the clash that occurred between Orson Welles, played brilliantly by Liev Schreiber, and publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, portrayed by James Cromwell. Hearst did everything in his power to stop the production and release of the film that thinly veiled his corrupt and scandalous life.

Making / Production

The film is a Benjamin Ross directorial, and was scripted by John Logan. It offers a stunning representation of 1940s Hollywood, brilliantly capturing the glam, glitz and power politics that often sat behind the film productions of the era.

Actors

• Liev Schreiber as Orson Welles: Schreiber convincingly portrays Welles' genius, arrogance, and obsession with perfection.
• James Cromwell as William Randolph Hearst: Cromwell delivers a powerful performance illustrating Hearst's control over the media landscape and his pushback against the damaging portrayal in "Citizen Kane".
• John Malkovich as Herman J. Mankiewicz: Malkovich successfully embodies the character of Mankiewicz, who co-wrote "Citizen Kane" with Welles and had inside knowledge of Hearst's life.
• Melanie Griffith as Marion Davies: Griffith gives a spirited portrayal of Hearst's mistress and a popular film actress of the time.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "RKO 281" is named after the original production number assigned to "Citizen Kane".
• Despite being a television movie, it has a star-studded cast of well-known screen actors.

Awards

The film was critically acclaimed and received numerous award nominations. Notably, it won a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film, and received 13 nominations at the 52nd Primetime Emmy Awards, winning one for Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie.

Quotes

• "Rosebud, dead or alive, it doesn't matter. If it's unattainable, it's invariably intriguing" - Orson Welles
• "How would you like it if someone made a movie proclaiming that everything you stood for was a fraud?" - William Randolph Hearst

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's original score was composed by John Altman.
• The soundtrack superbly manages to evoke a sound reminiscent of Hollywood's golden era.