Mank

 

Mank (Netflix)                                                                                                                                   December 11, 2020

Mank is the diminutive for Herman Mankiewicz who along with Orson Wells co-wrote the screenplay “Citizen Kane”. The title role of Mank is played by Gary Oldman in a bravo performance reminiscent of his Oscar winning portrayal of Churchill. Mank is an acholic, compulsive gambler gadfly who cannot keep his mouth shut insulting powerful people and testing the love and affection of those close to him. Oldman delivers a masterful performance commanding all these emotions.

This film is multilayered and has some particulars of note:

·         It is in black and white. Mimicking the movies of the 30’s and 40’s.

·         It extensively uses flashback. The flashbacks here work to give background to different plot points.

·         The characters represent (with literary license) real people of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Such as Orson Wells, Louie B. Mayer, Irving Thalberg, William Randolph Hearst, Marion Davis (Hearst’s mistress) and Upton Sinclair. The film stands of its own but having some knowledge of these individuals makes the film more interesting.

There are notable supporting actors. Lily Collins plays Rita Alexander who is Mank’s secretary transcribing his  dictation for Citizen Kane while he is convalescing from a busted leg. Mank’s behavior is cantankerous but over time they become close. Marion Davis is played by Amanda Seyfried. Her performance is subtle. On the surface she is portrayed as a wide eyed platinum blond starlet but she understands the perils posed by the film. The main character in Citizen Kane is presumed to be based on Hearst and another character is based on her. Neither feel  their portrayals are flattering and they want to stop the film. Hearst is played by Charles Dance who gives a cool and dispassionate performance; he is not rattled by Mank’s tirades. Hearst embodies the raw political and capitalist power he exerts over California at that period.

Orson Wells appears  briefly in the picture but displays his trademark arrogance and perfectionist approach to film making.  The real Louie B. Mayer was a prick and he is portrayed as such. There are numerous other actors all contributing fine performances.

Mank and Orson Wells won Oscars for the screen play of Citizen Kane in 1941. Herman Mankiewicz died at the age of 55 from complications of alcohol. In the desert of videos on demand,  this an oasis worth seeing.