Guest Sean Fennessey joins the hosts to discuss David Fincher's 'Mank' and its reception, the influence of 'Citizen Kane' on Fincher's career, unique casting choices in 'Mank', and the contrasting tones and styles of the film. They also touch on discussions about other movies, Liam Neeson's performance, and the box office performance of various films.
Mank challenges the sole authorship of Citizen Kane's screenplay, exploring the tensions between creative collaboration and the desire for credit.
Mank pays homage to Herman Mankiewicz's role in the creation of Citizen Kane, showcasing the passion for storytelling instilled by his journalist father.
David Fincher's unique approach as a director, heavily involved in script development but never taking a writing credit, highlights his focus on visual storytelling.
Mank portrays the struggle between artistic integrity and the compromises necessary to succeed in Hollywood's capitalist industry.
Mank's tragic transformation from a sharp-tongued cynic to a broken man raises questions about the cost of success and the sacrifices made in pursuit of art.
The film delves into the power and influence of Hollywood studios, exploring the clash between art and politics and the compromises artists may need to make in navigating this landscape.
Deep dives
The Origins of Mank
Mank is a film that explores the friction between Herman Mankiewicz and Orson Welles during the making of Citizen Kane. The script for Mank was written by Jack Fincher, who was a journalist and had a fascination with Citizen Kane. He showed his son, David Fincher, a 16mm version of Citizen Kane when he was 12 years old, which sparked David's interest in the relationship between Mankiewicz and Welles. Mank is an adaptation of this story, with some fictionalized elements, and delves into the power dynamics of Hollywood and the struggle for credit in filmmaking.
Reevaluating the Credit for Citizen Kane
Mank challenges the notion that Orson Welles was the sole author of Citizen Kane's screenplay, a claim that was popularized by Pauline Kael's controversial essay, Raising Kane. Kael argued that Herman Mankiewicz was the primary author of the screenplay, citing conversations with John Houseman and other sources. However, Kael's perspective has been disputed, and today most experts agree that Welles played a significant role in the development and rewriting of the script. Mank explores this tension between creative collaboration and the desire for credit, presenting a nuanced view of the writing process behind Citizen Kane.
The Influence of Jack Fincher
Jack Fincher, the father of director David Fincher, was a journalist who had a great love for film. He introduced his son to classic films at a young age and instilled in him a fascination with storytelling. Jack wrote several spec scripts and had a passion for the craft. When he retired from journalism, he expressed interest in writing a script and asked David for ideas. David suggested exploring the friction between Mankiewicz and Welles, a story that had not yet been told. This led to the creation of Mank, a film that pays homage to Herman Mankiewicz's role in the creation of Citizen Kane.
David Fincher's Approach to Writing
While David Fincher is widely known as a meticulous director, it is interesting to note that he has never taken a writing credit on any of his films. He is heavily involved in the development of his scripts, often commissioning writers and collaborating closely with them. However, he has never fought for a writing credit, even though he is undoubtedly a key creative force behind the scripts of his films. This unique approach sets him apart from other directors and highlights his focus on the visual storytelling aspects of filmmaking.
The Complexities of Mank's Relationship with Hollywood
In the movie, Mank is portrayed as a cynical and embittered individual who has a complicated relationship with Hollywood. He is torn between his desire to create meaningful art and his disgust with the capitalist nature of the industry. Throughout the film, we see him navigate the politics and power dynamics of the studio system, as well as his friendship with William Randolph Hearst. His journey highlights the struggle between artistic integrity and the compromises necessary to succeed in the business.
The Tragic Transformation of Mank
From the opening car crash to his decline into alcoholism, Mank's character undergoes a tragic transformation throughout the film. We witness his descent from a witty, sharp-tongued cynic to a broken and disillusioned man. This transformation is depicted through his relationships with the people around him, including his wife, fellow writers, and Hollywood elites. Mank's journey raises questions about the cost of success and the sacrifices one must make in pursuit of their art.
The Clash of Art and Politics
Mank explores the clash between art and politics through its depiction of the 1934 California gubernatorial election. The film delves into the power and influence of Hollywood studios during this time period, as well as the complicated relationship between artists and the political landscape. It raises thought-provoking questions about the role of artists in society and the compromises they may need to make in order to navigate the complex web of power and influence.
The Dichotomy of Mank's Character
Mank's character is defined by a dichotomy between his sharp wit and cynicism on one hand, and his genuine care and empathy for the people and causes he believes in on the other. This dichotomy adds depth and complexity to Mank's character, showcasing the inner conflict he experiences as he grapples with his own values and aspirations in the face of a corrupt and often disillusioning industry.
Mank delves into the critique of old money and institutions
Mank, a film directed by David Fincher, explores the theme of a distaste for old money and institutions. The main character, Mank, has a rebellious attitude towards these establishments, favoring those who challenge and question them. The film also highlights the conflict between artistic integrity and the need to navigate within the industry, as Mank, a screenwriter, must compromise his values to succeed. Additionally, the film portrays Mank's appreciation for the technical innovations in filmmaking, such as embracing digital technology. Overall, Mank presents a critical perspective on the influence of old money and the compromises needed to survive in the industry.
Mank reflects on the Writers Guild of America
Mank delves into the significance of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in the context of the film. It highlights the importance of credit and recognition for writers, with Mank fighting for his rightful acknowledgement. The movie delves into the notion of credit as a symbol of importance in Hollywood and explores the struggles faced by writers who may not receive due recognition for their contributions. The film emphasizes Mank's dedication to ensuring that his work and the work of other writers are acknowledged and appreciated.
The portrayal of Hollywood executives in Mank
Mank offers a scathing portrayal of Hollywood executives and their treatment of the creative people within the industry. Characters like Louis B. Mayer are depicted as manipulative and exploitative figures who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of those working in the industry. The film highlights the power imbalance between executives and working professionals, such as grips and electricians, who are often disregarded and taken advantage of. Mank exposes the inhumane treatment of individuals within the industry and the hierarchical structure that perpetuates such dynamics.
Nerts! Are you folks ready to get MANK-PILLED? We advise that you start by “mankro-dosing” David Fincher’s 2020 exploration of the life and times of cantankerous screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. The Big Picture’s Sean Fennessey joins us to chat about Fincher’s first Netflix feature, and we’re asking all the important questions. Would this film have a better reputation if it had been titled “manK!” ? Will there be a film made 40 years from now entitled “SORK” about Aaron Sorkin, David Fincher, Mark Zuckerberg, and the making of THE SOCIAL NETWORK? Is Mank the “Jabba the Hut of cynicism”? Will Griffin use this episode as another excuse to talk about The Offer?
