Mank Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sassy, alcoholic screenwriter writes a movie about a rich guy, mostly to settle some old Hollywood beef, and everyone acts like it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread (or rather, unsliced bread, since it’s the 30s).

🍿 Mank: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: 1940 and the Desert Retreat

In 1940, Herman J. Mankiewicz, known as Mank, is recovering from a broken leg at a secluded ranch in the Mojave Desert. Orson Welles, a 24-year-old prodigy, has offered Mank the opportunity to write a screenplay for him, granting him full creative control. Mank, a witty but self-destructive alcoholic, agrees to the challenge despite his personal struggles.

Flashbacks: Hollywood in the 1930s

The film interweaves Mank’s present-day writing with flashbacks to the 1930s, revealing his experiences in Hollywood. These flashbacks depict his relationships with powerful figures such as William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper magnate, and Marion Davies, Hearst’s mistress and a charming actress. Mank’s sharp wit and political awareness often put him at odds with the studio system and its influential players.

The 1934 California Gubernatorial Election

A significant portion of the flashbacks focuses on the 1934 California gubernatorial election, where Upton Sinclair, a socialist candidate, runs against the Republican incumbent. Hollywood studios, including MGM, actively campaign against Sinclair, using propaganda and fabricated newsreels to sway public opinion. Mank witnesses the manipulation of the media and the ethical compromises made by those around him.

Mank’s Growing Disillusionment

As Mank observes the corruption and hypocrisy within the Hollywood system, he becomes increasingly disillusioned. His relationship with Hearst deteriorates as he begins to question Hearst’s influence and the moral compromises he has made. This growing discontent fuels his desire to expose the truth through his writing.

Writing ‘Citizen Kane’

Back in 1940, Mank perseveres with the screenplay, drawing inspiration from his experiences with Hearst and Davies. He channels his frustrations and observations into the character of Charles Foster Kane, a thinly veiled representation of Hearst. The film explores the creative process, the power of storytelling, and the complexities of truth and memory.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Herman Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman): A witty but self-destructive alcoholic screenwriter racing against time to finish the screenplay for Citizen Kane.
• Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried): A charming and intelligent actress and mistress of William Randolph Hearst, who forms a close friendship with Mank.
• Rita Alexander (Lily Collins): Mank’s loyal and pragmatic secretary who assists him during his secluded writing period.
• William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance): A powerful and influential newspaper magnate whose life serves as inspiration for Citizen Kane, and a former friend of Mank.
• Orson Welles (Tom Burke): The prodigious young director who hires Mankiewicz to write the screenplay for Citizen Kane, granting him creative freedom.
• Louis B. Mayer (Arliss Howard): The head of MGM studios, a major figure in Hollywood, and a political player who clashes with Mank.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Herman Mankiewicz: “You cannot capture a man’s entire life in two hours. All you can hope is to leave the impression of one.” – Reflecting on the challenges of writing a screenplay about a complex individual, encapsulating the essence of ‘Citizen Kane’.
• William Randolph Hearst: “You, my friend, are a court jester. You don’t run the court. You just make the king feel better about running it.” – Hearst’s dismissive jab highlights Mank’s role as an entertainer, not an influencer, in the power structure of Hollywood.
• Herman Mankiewicz: “We have got a huge responsibility, to people in the dark willingly checking their disbelief at the door.” – Mank articulates the profound influence and ethical obligation of filmmakers towards their audience.
• Herman Mankiewicz: “I’m offering you the chance to do something important, something you believe in.” – Mank attempts to convince Shelly Metcalf to make films that matter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Mank Reviews

Personal Review

As a film lover, I was really excited about ‘Mank’. The black and white cinematography was mesmerizing and really pulled me into the 1930s Hollywood setting. Gary Oldman was fantastic, and I found myself really drawn to his character. The flashbacks were a little confusing at first, but once I got the hang of it, the film was pretty amazing.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Those interested in the history of ‘Citizen Kane'”
  • “Viewers who appreciate David Fincher’s directing style”
  • “Fans of Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried”
  • “Those interested in political and ethical themes in filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Smoking”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Historical inaccuracies”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Fincher’s homage to old Hollywood is visually stunning, with Oldman delivering a nuanced performance as the troubled Mankiewicz. However, the film’s complex narrative structure may not appeal to all viewers, but it is nonetheless an experience.
• Variety: “Mank is a stylish and intelligent film that delves into the making of Citizen Kane, but its dense dialogue and intricate plot might alienate casual viewers. Amanda Seyfried is captivating as Marion Davies, and the black-and-white cinematography is top-notch.
• The Guardian: “A brilliantly realised, visually intoxicating trip back to the golden age of Hollywood, elevated by Gary Oldman’s stellar performance. David Fincher delivers another triumph.

Audience Reactions

The black and white cinematography is stunning and truly captures the essence of classic Hollywood.: Viewers praise the film’s visuals, Oldman’s performance, and its exploration of the golden age of Hollywood.

Gary Oldman’s performance is outstanding and gives a phenomenal portrayal of the main character.: Many viewers agree on the stellar portrayal of Mankiewicz by Gary Oldman.

Overall Consensus: Mank is a visually impressive and intellectually stimulating film that pays homage to classic Hollywood, although some viewers may find its narrative structure challenging and it has been described as difficult to follow.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 2021
2. Academy Award (Best Production Design)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Fincher directed ‘Mank’ from a screenplay written by his father, Jack Fincher, in the 1990s, fulfilling a long-held family dream.”
• “Gary Oldman avoided heavy prosthetics to better capture the nuances of Herman Mankiewicz’s personality, prioritizing performance over physical resemblance.”
• “The film’s black-and-white cinematography and monaural sound mix were deliberate choices to evoke the classic Hollywood era and the style of ‘Citizen Kane’.”
• “To authentically recreate the era, the filmmakers used vintage lenses and post-production techniques to simulate the look and feel of 1940s cinema.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mank?

Mank is exclusively available to stream on Netflix. As a Netflix original, it is not available for purchase on other platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV. To watch, you’ll need a Netflix subscription. Check your local Netflix region for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mank, you might like these similar films:

• Citizen Kane (1941): The film ‘Mank’ directly precedes and provides context to the creation of ‘Citizen Kane’, making it essential viewing for those interested in the backstory.
• RKO 281 (1999): Another film that chronicles the making of Citizen Kane, focusing more on the conflict between Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst.
• Sunset Boulevard (1950): Explores the darker side of Hollywood and the fleeting nature of fame, sharing similar themes of disillusionment and the price of ambition.
• The Social Network (2010): Also directed by David Fincher, it offers a similarly sharp and cynical look at the creation of a cultural phenomenon, driven by complex characters and moral ambiguities.

🛒 Mank Related Products

• Citizen Kane (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A definitive edition of Citizen Kane, the film that Mank revolves around. Includes extensive bonus materials and a pristine transfer.
• The Brothers Mankiewicz: A Dual Biography: Explore the lives of Herman and Joseph Mankiewicz, two of Hollywood’s most talented and complicated siblings. A deep dive into their careers, relationships, and the era they helped define.
• You Must Remember This Podcast Series – ‘Citizen Kane’s’ Hollywood: Karina Longworth’s podcast explores the history and controversies surrounding ‘Citizen Kane’, including the debate over authorship.
• Citizen Kane Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original Citizen Kane theatrical poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mank features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “(If Only You Could) Save Me” – performed by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
• “Coliseum” – performed by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mank – Movie Review

Check out this insightful review of ‘Mank’ by Chris Stuckmann, a well-respected movie critic. He dives into the film’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you a well-rounded perspective.

hey… he certainly tried his best to make his movie look old

Curious about how ‘Mank’ achieved its vintage look? This video essay analyzes the visual effects and cinematography techniques used to create the film’s distinct aesthetic.

the controversy behind David Fincher’s MANK

Uncover the controversies surrounding ‘Mank’ in this thought-provoking video. It explores the historical context and critical reception, giving you a nuanced perspective on the film.

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