Citizen Kane's Creator: The True Hollywood Tale in Mank
Fincher's Biopic Reveals Welles' Inspiration
'Mank' unveils the captivating story behind one of cinema's greatest masterpieces. This Netflix film, directed by David Fincher, transports viewers to 1930s Hollywood as it explores the creation of 'Citizen Kane'.
Gary Oldman delivers a powerful performance as Herman J. Mankiewicz, the troubled screenwriter tasked with penning the iconic script. The film delves into the controversial question of who truly deserves credit for writing 'Citizen Kane', challenging long-held beliefs about authorship in Hollywood.
'Mank' not only provides insight into the film industry's golden age but also sheds light on the political and social climate of the time. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the complex relationship between Mankiewicz and Orson Welles, showcasing the collaborative and often contentious nature of filmmaking.
The Genesis of 'Mank'
'Mank' emerged from a decades-old screenplay and a passion for Hollywood history. The film's development involved a unique father-son collaboration and a deep dive into the golden age of cinema.
Inspiration and Development
'Mank' originated from a screenplay penned by Jack Fincher in the 1990s. The script focused on Herman J. Mankiewicz and the creation of 'Citizen Kane'. Jack, a journalist and writer, was fascinated by the controversy surrounding the authorship of the legendary film.
His research drew from various sources, including Pauline Kael's essay "Raising Kane". This piece argued that Mankiewicz was the primary author of 'Citizen Kane'.
The screenplay remained unproduced for years, but it laid the foundation for what would eventually become a critically acclaimed film.
David Fincher and Jack Fincher's Collaboration
David Fincher, Jack's son and a renowned director, took on the project after his father's passing in 2003. He refined the screenplay, maintaining its core focus on Mankiewicz's life and work.
The collaboration, though posthumous, blended Jack's journalistic approach with David's cinematic vision. David Fincher's meticulous attention to detail enhanced the script's portrayal of 1930s Hollywood.
This father-son project evolved over time, with David making adjustments to align the story more closely with historical accuracy. The result was a nuanced exploration of Mankiewicz's role in crafting one of cinema's most celebrated works.
Herman J. Mankiewicz: The Man Behind the Myth
Herman J. Mankiewicz was a complex figure in Hollywood history, known for his brilliant screenwriting and personal struggles. His career achievements and battles with alcoholism shaped both his work and legacy.
Screenwriting Career and Notable Works
Herman Mankiewicz began his Hollywood career in the 1920s as a title writer for silent films. He quickly gained recognition for his sharp wit and storytelling skills. Mankiewicz contributed to numerous screenplays, often uncredited due to studio practices at the time.
His most famous work was co-writing "Citizen Kane" with Orson Welles in 1941. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever made. Mankiewicz also worked on other notable films, including "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), where he made uncredited contributions to the script.
Despite his talent, Mankiewicz's career was marked by ups and downs. He struggled with deadlines and often clashed with studio executives. Nevertheless, his impact on early Hollywood screenwriting remains significant.
Personal Life and Struggles with Alcoholism
Herman Mankiewicz's personal life was turbulent, largely due to his battle with alcoholism. His drinking habits frequently interfered with his work and relationships. Despite his success, Mankiewicz often found himself in financial difficulties.
His wit and charm made him popular in Hollywood social circles, but his behavior could be erratic. Mankiewicz's alcoholism affected his health and career prospects. It contributed to missed opportunities and unfinished projects.
Despite these challenges, Mankiewicz maintained close friendships with many Hollywood figures. His brother Joseph L. Mankiewicz also became a successful filmmaker. Herman's struggles with addiction and his brilliant mind created a complicated legacy that continues to fascinate film historians and audiences alike.
The Making of 'Citizen Kane'
The creation of 'Citizen Kane' involved a complex interplay of creative collaboration, industry politics, and real-life inspirations. The film's development was marked by the partnership between Herman Mankiewicz and Orson Welles, disputes over writing credit, and the looming influence of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
Collaboration with Orson Welles
Orson Welles, a 24-year-old wunderkind from radio, partnered with seasoned screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz to craft 'Citizen Kane'. RKO Pictures gave Welles unprecedented creative control for a first-time filmmaker. Mankiewicz wrote the initial draft while recuperating from a car accident, with Welles providing input and revisions.
The duo's collaborative process blended Mankiewicz's insider knowledge of Hollywood and sharp wit with Welles' innovative storytelling techniques. Their combined efforts resulted in a screenplay that pushed cinematic boundaries and challenged traditional narrative structures.
Conflict over Screenplay Credit
The question of who deserved primary credit for the 'Citizen Kane' screenplay became a contentious issue. Initially, Welles sought sole writing credit, but Mankiewicz fought to have his name included. The Screen Writers Guild ultimately ruled in favor of a shared credit.
This dispute highlighted the complex nature of collaborative filmmaking and the value placed on screenplay authorship in Hollywood. The controversy continued long after the film's release, with debates about the extent of each writer's contributions persisting among film historians and critics.
Influence of William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies
'Citizen Kane' drew significant inspiration from the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The character of Charles Foster Kane shared many similarities with Hearst, from his media empire to his lavish estate Xanadu, reminiscent of Hearst Castle.
Marion Davies, Hearst's longtime companion, also influenced the film. While the character of Susan Alexander Kane was loosely based on Davies, the film's portrayal was more critical than the real-life relationship between Hearst and Davies.
Hearst's powerful influence in Hollywood led to attempts to suppress the film's release. This pressure added to the mystique surrounding 'Citizen Kane' and contributed to its enduring legacy as a groundbreaking work of cinema.
Exploring the Historical Context
The 1930s and early 1940s marked a transformative period in American culture, politics, and media. This era saw the rise of Hollywood's studio system, contentious political campaigns, and evolving journalistic practices that shaped the backdrop for "Citizen Kane" and its creation.
The Golden Age of Hollywood
Hollywood's Golden Age reached its peak in the 1930s. Major studios like MGM dominated the industry, producing hundreds of films annually. Louis B. Mayer, MGM's powerful head, exemplified the era's studio bosses who wielded immense control over actors, directors, and content.
Stars were bound by strict contracts, often typecast in roles that fit their public image. The studio system prioritized profit and mass appeal, leading to formulaic storytelling and censorship to appease moral watchdogs.
Despite these constraints, this period saw the creation of enduring classics and technological innovations like synchronized sound and Technicolor.
Politics and the California Gubernatorial Race
The 1934 California gubernatorial race was a defining political moment of the decade. Upton Sinclair, the socialist-leaning Democratic nominee, faced fierce opposition from Republican incumbent Frank Merriam and the Hollywood establishment.
Studio heads, fearing Sinclair's proposed reforms, mobilized resources against him. They produced fake newsreels and propaganda films to discredit his campaign.
This race highlighted the growing intersection of politics, media, and the film industry. It demonstrated Hollywood's willingness to use its influence and resources to shape public opinion on political matters.
American Journalism and Yellow Journalism
The early 20th century saw significant changes in American journalism. Yellow journalism, characterized by sensationalism and exaggeration, remained influential despite criticism from media reformers.
Newspaper tycoons like William Randolph Hearst, who inspired the character of Charles Foster Kane, wielded enormous power through their media empires. They often prioritized circulation numbers over accurate reporting.
This era also saw the rise of muckraking journalists who exposed corruption and social issues. Their work influenced public opinion and spurred legislative reforms.
The tension between sensationalism and investigative reporting reflected broader debates about the role of media in society.
Portrayal of Real-Life Figures
'Mank' brings to life key figures from Hollywood's Golden Age through nuanced performances. The film's stars embody the complex personalities behind Citizen Kane's creation and the media mogul who inspired it.
Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz
Gary Oldman transforms into the brilliant but troubled Herman J. Mankiewicz. He captures Mankiewicz's sharp wit and self-destructive tendencies with remarkable authenticity. Oldman portrays the screenwriter's struggles with alcoholism and his conflicted relationship with the Hollywood establishment.
His performance highlights Mankiewicz's role in crafting Citizen Kane's screenplay. Oldman conveys both the writer's genius and his personal demons. He shows Mankiewicz's journey from a respected insider to an industry outcast.
The actor's portrayal emphasizes Mankiewicz's sardonic humor and keen observational skills. These traits prove essential in shaping Citizen Kane's biting social commentary.
Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies
Amanda Seyfried brings depth and charm to her portrayal of actress Marion Davies. She dispels common misconceptions about Davies, often unfairly associated with Citizen Kane's talentless Susan Alexander character.
Seyfried depicts Davies as a witty, intelligent woman with genuine acting talent. Her performance showcases Davies' warm personality and her complex relationship with William Randolph Hearst.
The actress captures Davies' loyalty to Hearst while maintaining her own identity. Seyfried's nuanced portrayal highlights Davies' position as a Hollywood insider and confidante to powerful figures.
Charles Dance as William Randolph Hearst
Charles Dance embodies the imposing figure of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. His performance captures Hearst's immense power and influence in both the political and entertainment spheres.
Dance portrays Hearst's commanding presence and his protectiveness towards Marion Davies. He conveys the magnate's mixture of charm and ruthlessness in dealing with Hollywood elites.
The actor's interpretation shows Hearst's growing unease as Mankiewicz's screenplay takes shape. Dance effectively communicates Hearst's efforts to maintain control over his public image and personal relationships.
His portrayal gives insight into the real-life inspiration behind Citizen Kane's Charles Foster Kane character.
Cultural Impact and Critical Reception
Citizen Kane transformed filmmaking and sparked debates about authorship in cinema. Its innovative techniques and narrative structure continue to influence filmmakers and critics today.
Film Critics and the Auteur Theory Debate
Citizen Kane fueled discussions about the auteur theory in film criticism. Many critics viewed Orson Welles as the primary creative force behind the movie, despite controversy over the screenplay's authorship.
The film's groundbreaking techniques in cinematography, sound, and storytelling challenged existing conventions. This led to heated debates about directorial vision and artistic control in Hollywood productions.
Critics praised Welles' bold approach, with some hailing Citizen Kane as the greatest film ever made. Its critical success helped establish the idea of the director as the primary author of a film.
Legacy of 'Citizen Kane' and 'Mank'
Citizen Kane's impact on cinema history is undeniable. It has consistently topped critics' lists and influenced generations of filmmakers.
The film received nine Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Original Screenplay. This recognition solidified its place in Hollywood history.
Mank, released in 2020, reignited interest in Citizen Kane's creation. It explored Herman J. Mankiewicz's role in writing the screenplay, shedding new light on the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
Both films continue to spark discussions about creative attribution and the complexities of Hollywood's golden age. Their enduring popularity demonstrates the lasting fascination with cinema's formative years.
Visual Style and Filmmaking Techniques
David Fincher's "Mank" pays homage to the iconic visual style of "Citizen Kane" through meticulous attention to detail in its cinematography and production design. The film recreates the look and feel of 1930s Hollywood while employing modern techniques to enhance the viewing experience.
Black and White Cinematography
"Mank" embraces black and white cinematography to capture the essence of the era. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt utilizes high contrast lighting to create depth and drama in each frame. The film employs deep focus techniques reminiscent of Gregg Toland's work on "Citizen Kane," allowing both foreground and background elements to remain sharp.
Dynamic camera movements and innovative angles add visual interest throughout the film. Fincher and Messerschmidt carefully compose shots with geometric patterns, often featuring circles and squares to echo the visual motifs of "Citizen Kane."
Recreating the Era with Production Design
Production designer Donald Graham Burt meticulously crafts authentic 1930s environments for "Mank." The film showcases lavish Hollywood parties and stark newspaper offices with equal attention to period-accurate details.
Props and set dressing transport viewers to the golden age of cinema, from vintage typewriters to period-correct film equipment. The recreation of MGM and RKO Pictures studios adds authenticity to scenes depicting the filmmaking process of the era.
Costume design plays a crucial role in establishing the time period. Characters don impeccably tailored suits and glamorous gowns that reflect the fashion trends of 1930s Hollywood.
Impact on Modern Cinema and Cinephiles
Citizen Kane's influence extends far beyond its initial release, shaping filmmaking techniques and critical analysis for decades. The film continues to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers today.
Influence on Screenwriting and Storytelling
Citizen Kane revolutionized narrative structure in cinema. Its non-linear storytelling and use of multiple narrators broke from traditional Hollywood conventions. This innovative approach inspired generations of screenwriters to experiment with chronology and perspective.
The film's intricate plot and complex characters set new standards for depth in screenwriting. Many modern scripts draw inspiration from Kane's layered storytelling techniques. Its influence is evident in films that employ flashbacks, unreliable narrators, or fragmented timelines.
Orson Welles' bold directorial choices also impacted visual storytelling. His use of deep focus cinematography and unconventional camera angles became widely imitated. These techniques expanded the visual language of cinema, giving directors new tools to convey meaning.
Relevance in Film Studies and Critical Analysis
Citizen Kane remains a cornerstone of film studies curricula worldwide. Its technical innovations and thematic richness provide endless material for analysis. Students and scholars continue to dissect its cinematography, sound design, and narrative structure.
The film's exploration of power, media, and the American Dream offers timeless themes for critical examination. Its portrayal of newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane resonates with contemporary discussions about media influence and wealth concentration.
Cinephiles regularly revisit Kane, finding new layers of meaning with each viewing. Its enduring popularity among film enthusiasts has cemented its status as a cultural touchstone. The film's achievements in cinematography, editing, and sound design continue to be benchmarks against which modern films are measured.
