David Fincher's MANK, (available to stream now on Netflix), is a beautiful film about the true story behind the writing of cinemas classic, CITIZEN KANE.
Starring Garry Oldman in the titular role about Herman J. Mankiewicz, Fincher's film has a nonlinear structure, like the screenplay in question, gorgeous cinematography, and sets.
The disjointed narrative cuts between Mank, held up in a hotel room, wrestling with alcoholism, and injuries, while he weaves the story about William Randolph Hearst.
Because Mank is a screenwriter, his character has a way with words, and replete with all kinds of stories, like the parable of the monkey and the organ grinder. Essentially, the metaphor is one for Mank himself. Whereas he, like the monkey, seem to have power, they are really tied on a string to other, more powerful people.
The politics in the film on the inner workings of the industry are a welcome and relevant layer, adding to its meta-nature, and Oscar chances.
Because of creative differences with Welles, CITIZEN KANE was the last screenplay Mank ever wrote.
A must see for cinephiles.
Commenti