Mank (2020)
The American biographical drama film, Mank (2020), directed by David Fincher and based on a screenplay written by his late father Jack Fincher, tells the story of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz’s development of the screenplay for Citizen Kane. In 1940, RKO grants Orson Welles complete creative control for his next project. Welles enlists Mankiewicz, who is recovering from a car accident in Victorville, California, to write the script while dictating it to his secretary Rita Alexander. However, Alexander notices similarities between the lead character, Charles Foster Kane, and William Randolph Hearst. While producer John Houseman expresses concerns about the complex and nonlinear screenplay, Joseph Mankiewicz worries about angering Hearst. In 1930, Herman meets Marion Davies on an MGM location and realizes they know each other. She introduces him to her benefactor and lover, Hearst, who takes a liking to him.
In 1933, Herman and his wife Sara attend Louis B. Mayer’s birthday party at Hearst Castle with various Hollywood elites. They discuss the situation in Nazi Germany and the upcoming gubernatorial election, specifically focusing on Upton Sinclair as a candidate. During a stroll, Herman and Marion connect while chatting about politics and the film industry. By 1940, Houseman becomes frustrated with Herman’s lack of progress. Rita is also worried about the timing of the writing process and Herman’s struggles with alcoholism. However, he manages to complete the screenplay on time. While impressed, Houseman reminds Herman that he will not receive credit for his work. In 1934, both Herman and Joseph join MGM under Mayer’s leadership. The studio executives, including Irving Thalberg, actively oppose Sinclair’s campaign for governor. To sway public opinion against him, they produce propaganda films funded by Hearst himself.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Gary OldmanHerman Mankiewicz  Amanda SeyfriedMarion Davies  Lily CollinsRita Alexander  Arliss HowardLouis B. Mayer  Tom PelphreyJoe Mankiewicz  Charles DanceWilliam Randolph Hearst  Sam TroughtonJohn Houseman  Tuppence MiddletonSara Mankiewicz  Monika GossmannFraulein Freda  Ferdinand KingsleyIrving Thalberg  Tom BurkeOrson Welles  Joseph CrossCharles Lederer  Toby Leonard MooreDavid O. Selznick  Jamie McShaneShelly Metcalf  Bill NyeUpton Sinclair  Leven RambinEve - Shelly's Girlfriend |
The American biographical drama film, Mank (2020), directed by David Fincher and based on a screenplay written by his late father Jack Fincher, tells the story of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz’s development of the screenplay for Citizen Kane. In 1940, RKO grants Orson Welles complete creative control for his next project. Welles enlists Mankiewicz, who is recovering from a car accident in Victorville, California, to write the script while dictating it to his secretary Rita Alexander. However, Alexander notices similarities between the lead character, Charles Foster Kane, and William Randolph Hearst. While producer John Houseman expresses concerns about the complex and nonlinear screenplay, Joseph Mankiewicz worries about angering Hearst. In 1930, Herman meets Marion Davies on an MGM location and realizes they know each other. She introduces him to her benefactor and lover, Hearst, who takes a liking to him.
In 1933, Herman and his wife Sara attend Louis B. Mayer’s birthday party at Hearst Castle with various Hollywood elites. They discuss the situation in Nazi Germany and the upcoming gubernatorial election, specifically focusing on Upton Sinclair as a candidate. During a stroll, Herman and Marion connect while chatting about politics and the film industry. By 1940, Houseman becomes frustrated with Herman’s lack of progress. Rita is also worried about the timing of the writing process and Herman’s struggles with alcoholism. However, he manages to complete the screenplay on time. While impressed, Houseman reminds Herman that he will not receive credit for his work. In 1934, both Herman and Joseph join MGM under Mayer’s leadership. The studio executives, including Irving Thalberg, actively oppose Sinclair’s campaign for governor. To sway public opinion against him, they produce propaganda films funded by Hearst himself.
