Mank

 

      

       David Fincher directs a masterwork in film, based on a screenplay by his father, Jack Fincher. This is an ode to old Hollywood. The biographical drama is the story of writer Herman Mankiewicz and his development of the script for "Citizen Kane". Many consider "Citizen Kane" to be the greatest movie of all time and if you are a fan or just interested in Hollywood history, you will love "Mank".

       Mank is portrayed by Gary Oldman who simply outdoes himself with every role. He has been recently nominated for best actor at this year's Academy Awards ("Mank" has received 10 nominations overall) and he has to be considered the frontrunner as he is simply fantastic. His co-star Amanda Seyfried plays Marion Davies, the actress and mistress of William Randolph Hearst (played by Charles Dance). She is luminescent in her best role to date. The film also co-stars Tom Pelphrey as Herman's younger brother Joseph, Arliss Howard as Louis B. Mayer, Lilly Collins as Mank's Secretary, Sam Troughton as John Houseman, and Tom Burke as Orson Wells.

       The cinematography is stunning. Filmed in crisp black and white, every frame is a beautiful portrait in of itself. It makes for visuals that are just lovely. Partnered with a terrific score, wonderful acting, and an outstanding script, you can't help but appreciate the brilliance of masterful filmmaking.

       The film is in a limited theater run as well as available on Netflix.