About RKO 281 (HBO)

"RKO 281" is an HBO movie that aired in 1999. It presents a dramatised version of the events surrounding the production of Orson Welles' 1941 film, "Citizen Kane," widely considered one of the greatest films of all time. The film is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the difficulties faced during the creation of a cinematic masterpiece, including the pressures and obstacles placed by media tycoon, William Randolph, Hearst.

Making / Production

"RKO 281" was produced by HBO and directed by Benjamin Ross. The screenplay was based on the documentary, "The Battle Over Citizen Kane" from the series "American Experience". It brings the viewer into the politics of filmmaking and demonstrates the power struggles, egos, and the artistic tenacity in the world of cinema.

Actors

• Liev Schreiber - Played the role of Orson Welles perfectly, capturing Welles’ incredible vision and unstoppable determination for the creation of "Citizen Kanne".
• James Cromwell - A captivating portrayal of William Randolph Hearst, showing the fear of the media mogul and his attempted control of Welles' project.
• Melanie Griffith - Played Marion Davies, showing her duality as an actress and Hearst's mistress.
• John Malkovich - Cast as Herman Mankiewicz, he shows a multifaceted character wrestling through alcoholism and creative challenges during the script writing.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "RKO 281" comes from the original production number of "Citizen Kane".
• Many of the sets of the film were reconstructed versions of sets from the original "Citizen Kane".
• The film is based on the BBC documentary "The Battle Over Citizen Kane".

Awards

"RKO 281" was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV, and it received nominations for several other awards including the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie.

Quotes

• "Don't you know the whole world revolves around me?" - Orson Welles
• "You've got to get this into your head, George: I am the biggest snake you'll ever have to handle." - Hearst

Music / Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by John Altman, setting the proper mood and tonality appropriate for a film set in the 1940s.
• One of the standout pieces is the intense, dramatic theme used during confrontations between Welles and Hearst.