Hollywood looks back at itself in Mank, the latest from director David Fincher.
Citizen Kane was Orson Welles’ baby. No one doubts that the young man who directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in the film that would become known as the greatest of all time deserved the praise lavished on him, but it’s that co-writer credit – co-writer – that often gets overlooked.
Herman Mankiewicz isn’t remembered for the movie even though it’s his name leading the screenwriting credits. Turns out it was a struggle from the beginning to get credit for all the work he did, which involved sequestering at a ranch and confronting his problems with booze and women along with churning out most of the complex script. Mank is here to at least tell the tale, even if it is too late to rewrite film history.
It’s an intriguing premise made all the more enticing for being led by Fincher, who’s already sliced out his own bit of history. He rarely goes wrong, and you know he understands the intricacies and struggles of getting a film made.
And then there’s the prospect of Gary Oldman playing the titular Mankiewicz, a role that should give the beloved actor plenty to sink his teeth into. Co-starring with him is Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, and Charles Dance.
It’s a story we know and don’t know from some of the best in the business being delivered right to our homes via Netflix. What more do you want?
Mank is directed by David Fincher and stars Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, and Charles Dance. It will be released worldwide on Netflix on December 4th, 2020 with a limited theatrical run in the US in November.
Will you go back in time with this one? Let us know in the comments!
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