[Review] Mank: Integrity

Following 2014's Gone Girl, David Fincher's new film Mank has finally been released on Netflix.

Mank primarily revolves around Herman J. Mankiewicz's (Gary Oldman) process of writing Citizen Kane, a film considered one of the best in cinematic history. This period has been the subject of much controversy, mainly concerning whether the film's legendary director, Orson Welles (Tom Burke), participated in the screenplay's creation. This film also offers an "answer" to this question, but Orson Welles is not the focus of the film. Instead, the movie mainly centers on another controversy: the real-life inspiration for Citizen Kane’s protagonist, Charles Foster Kane.

The main storyline lies in Herman J. Mankiewicz's creation of Citizen Kane. Initially, he is depicted as an alcoholic and a bitter character, seemingly a decadent failure. However, the film then continuously inserts multiple flashback sequences in a non-linear fashion, exploring Hollywood and the society in the 1930s from his perspective. Among these, the film spends considerable time discussing the California gubernatorial election of that year, the struggle between the two major political parties and ideologies, and how the power of the media swayed the situation. Although the film's screenplay was written by the director's father at least a decade ago, the plot closely resonates with the current political and social atmosphere in the United States and even worldwide. The themes of "fake news" and "political propaganda films" seem timeless. After explaining the ins and outs of everything, the film profoundly showcases Herman J. Mankiewicz's integrity, wit, and tenderness, portraying him as a respectable and sympathetic character. The power and responsibility of the media are also worthy of public vigilance.

The film initially feels like a personal story of Herman J. Mankiewicz, but then, through numerous dialogue-driven scenes in the flashbacks, it deeply depicts the social and Hollywood landscape of the 1930s. Even if viewers are not familiar with the American politics, society, and culture of that time, as well as Hollywood's studio system and struggles that are vastly different from today, they can still become invested in the story. Near the end, the film once again delicately portrays Mank's personal story, transforming the character from just a drunkard into a fleshed-out individual with integrity and principles. Gary Oldman seems to be playing two roles in the film: an alcoholic in the 1940s and a highly talented screenwriter in the 1930s. His two portrayals in the beginning of the film are full of contrast, but by the end of the film, viewers realize that this character has been consistent all along. In such a complex environment, he was still able to defy blacklisting, adhere to his principles, and bravely confront power, truly making him a respectable character.

Many viewers will likely be curious before watching if they can become invested in this film if they haven't seen Citizen Kane. I believe that even if they haven't seen Citizen Kane, they can still understand the film's plot and themes. However, because this film precisely revolves around how Herman J. Mankiewicz's personal experiences inspired him to create Citizen Kane, and how he referenced real-life figures to shape the characters in Citizen Kane, viewers who have seen Citizen Kane will better understand the allusions in the film, and the entire viewing experience will undoubtedly be more enjoyable. In fact, Mank is shot in black and white, deliberately imitating the characteristics of black and white films from the 1930s and 40s in its visuals and sound effects. The story's structure is also very similar to that of Citizen Kane. Therefore, viewers who watch these two films consecutively will definitely have an extraordinary experience.

Trailer:

Synopsis:

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

Photo and Source: Netflix