Talking about Mank (2020)
This 2020 film was nominated for 10 Oscars, but only got back two. In fact, looking at the subject matter and the trend at the time, we know that the film will not gain much. The Oscars are always more than just film awards, politics and trends also play an important role. But it still doesn't detract from the brilliance of this movie. The production is exquisite and delicate, which should be rarely seen in these years.
Many friends complained that the movie was difficult to understand, and most of them couldn't watch it at all. In fact, it's no wonder they. The film is indeed a little high and low. If you lack a little understanding of the background of the characters, it is difficult to follow the ins and outs of the plot, and the director has no desire or time to explain the powerful relationship between the characters to the audience, and to the unprepared audience, watch the movie. The experience of course tastes like chewing wax.
The film is about the creation of the script for the classic film Citizen Kane (1941). This classic, which was born in the 1940s, has become a masterpiece in the hearts of many film critics and fans. The director - Orson Welles, was 25 when he created this film, and his debut was amazing. He created original film shooting techniques and film language that had not been seen at the time, which has become the object of imitation by directors. Of course, the film's subject - the legendary life of a media mogul - is seen as a reference to the same real-life media mogul at the time - William Randolph Hearst, who went to great lengths to prevent the film from being released.
Rather than discussing the director - Orson Welles, Mank focused on Citizen Kane's other screenwriter - Herman Mankiewicz, or "Mank" for short. There are as many historical figures in the movie as the crucian carp crossing the river. But in fact, the audience only needs to focus on the following characters to enjoy it:
- Manke (Gary Oldman Gary Oldman) - Talented, intelligent, and showed a higher IQ than his peers from a young age. He was admitted to Columbia University at the age of 13. He worked as a column writer for several newspapers, and was hired by Paramount Pictures as a resident screenwriter. Although talented, his private life is chaotic. Alcoholism is his number one vice, which causes him to often overdue manuscript submissions; he is also addicted to gambling, ranging from election results to as small as flipping a coin, and he can bet with the people around him. But his most deadly bad habit is that he is open-mouthed. Although he freely utters golden sentences, his cynical personality often easily offends many people around him. The movie shows how he and media mogul - William Randolph Hearst went from dear friend to enemy. Of course, he finally wrote the "Citizen Kane" script to mock the tycoon, which was the last straw that overwhelmed the relationship between the two.
- William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) - media mogul, wealthy, and actress - Marion Davies' Sugar Daddy. A chance encounter, very much appreciated Manke's extraordinary talent, invited him to be the guest of honor, Manke was once a big red man around the tycoon. However, the devastating character of the other party made the two finally fall out.
- Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried) - Mistress of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. The process of her ascending to Hollywood is also evident. According to legend, the role of the tycoon's mistress described in "Citizen Kane" was written for her. She was described as having no talent at all, but she was literally supported by the tycoon as a 'superstar' and finally broke down. Film critics generally think that Yiren's real-life acting career was also completely destroyed by the scene of "Citizen Kane"! In "Manke", she is interpreted as a big vase in everyone's eyes, but she is actually a sweet sister with both talent and beauty. At a rich dinner party, he consciously lost his words and left the venue in a hurry. After meeting with Manke in the garden and having a deep conversation, the two became best friends and cherished each other.
The movie begins when Mank, who is injured in a car accident, is taken to a suburban villa to write the script of "Citizen Kane", and traces why he wrote such a movie that mocks the tycoon, quite the formula of "Citizen Kane". The best thing about a movie is the director-David Fincher's own script written by his own father: every word and rhyme, few screenwriters are willing/able to write it. Fortunately, I watched this film on Netflix. I could open the subtitles and chew it in various ways. It really fell into my mouth like an olive, and it tasted in various ways.
The film is presented in black and white, and the photography and beauty of course are in-depth references to "Citizen Kane", which is quite profound! Some people pointed out that he used digital photography and then used computer technology to black and white the picture, which was suspected of cheating (the "Schindler's List (1993)" directed by Steven Spielberg at that time, the use of genuine black and white film!). Actually, don't worry about it. It should be a cost consideration for the film production team. If technology allows filmmakers to save money and achieve better results, why not?
Movies have no desire to please the general audience. It is narcissistic and boastful, and it seems that only people in the industry, or friends who have a great interest and knowledge of movies, will flock to it.
Cups staggered, laughing and cursing the world. Friend, would you like to drink this cup of bitter wine and still be happy?
9.5/10
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