Mank

Synopsis: 1930’s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish "Citizen Kane."

Movie Review:

“Mank” was directed by David Fincher and is the story of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz’s struggles with alcoholism and at the same time writing one of the classic films ever made “Citizen Kane”. I Found this movie to be one of the best films of the year with fantastic acting by every actor in the movie. It is an emotional and compelling story about obsession, politics, and addiction, with a tribute to 1930’s Hollywood. Gary Oldman is outstanding as real-life screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. He transforms into the mind of a troubled alcoholic who struggles to write the greatest script and make the best movie he can. Amanda Seyfried shines as the famous actress Marion Davies. She is mesmerizing as this character and I could not take my eyes off the screen every scene she is in. I wouldn’t be surprised if she is nominated for best actress this year. Lilly Collins who plays writer assistant and nurse Rita Alexander was very talented. Her character inspires Mankiewicz to finish his script. The supporting cast was incredible: Tom Burke plays famous director Orson Wells and touched on the complicated relationship between Orson Wells and Mankiewicz and it was very emotional and heartbreaking. I, also, liked seeing Charles Dance as director William Randolph Hearst -- even though he has limited screen time he was very powerful in his scenes. I was very impressed by Tom Pelphrey who plays Herman’s brother and the audience can’t wait for him to show up throughout the movie. This film does flashback to certain events that inspired Herman to write “Citizen Kane” and the flashbacks were impressive and narratively make sense for the story. I also loved the way David Fincher shot the movie in black and white; it was a great call back to 30’s film making. I loved all the stuff about how to make a movie, but there is a lot of politics talk that kind of bored me. I thought this movie was one of the best films of the year with phenomenal acting, a compelling story and a nice tribute to Hollywood. I am giving “Mank” 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Gary Oldman, Lily Collins, Tom Burke, Amanda Seyfried, Tupprence Middleton, Tom Pephrey and Charles Dance

Runtime: 131 minutes