Mank: David Fincher’s Technically Detailed Look at Hollywood’s Past

Mank is one of the eagerly awaited year-end films from Netflix. Directed by David Fincher, Mank is about the writing of one of the most famous films of all time, Citizen Kane. How does one go about writing a fictionalized film loosely based on William Randolph Hearst? How does one tell a fictionalized story about the washed up Hollywood writer who would create a genuine script masterpiece? 

So far, the critical response to Mank is mixed. What were people expecting? Is Mank too much of an art film for the regular film goer? Did people just want a detailed look at the making of Citizen Kane? For that, they could rewatch the HBO film, RKO 281, which pretty much covers that.

This week Jim and Teal dive into all these aspects of Mank, and give their insights on what they felt the movie gave them as filmgoers.

 

In addition to Mank, Jim and Teal start of the program with some tales of holiday films they've watched during the past month, including a couple of lumps of coal, Noel and Last Christmas. 

Happy Holidays everyone!!

-J&T