While films and TV shows about the corrupt inner workings of Hollywood are hardly rare nowadays, there are some exceptions that continue to intrigue us.
And thanks to Netflix, we have a new one to add to our rotation.
Introducing Mank.
If you’ve missed seeing the glitz and glamour of American cinema—à la Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood or Oscar-winning La La Land—then this flick should head straight to your must-watch list.
Set in 1930s Hollywood, the black-and-white film follows the unfamiliar-yet-true story behind the 1941 classic Citizen Kane, but more importantly, the battle for recognition between Orson Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz. Directed by David Fincher (Gone Girl, The Social Network), it’s safe to say that his impressive filmography cements Mank as one of the most exciting new releases to come out of 2020.
Fascinated? Keep reading for everything you need to know about Mank—from the plot and cast members to when you can stream it in Australia.
What Is The Plot Of Mank?
Mank follows the story of social-critic and screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz, as he struggles to finish the script for Citizen Kane. For those unsure of the original film’s plot, Citizen Kane was the first feature film by director Orson Welles and followed the life of media tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, despite it being to his dismay.
According to the story, Welles gave Mankiewicz 300 pages of notes and 90 days to finish his script for the film before production started. However, Welles was later accused by Mankiewicz of having the film studio remove his writing credits from the screenplay of the 1941 film, leading to their iconic feud.
Shot entirely in black-and-white, Mank is filmed and edited in a way that transports viewers into the cinematic landscape of 1930s Hollywood. From the cinematography to the vintage costuming, the film chronicles the journey to create a cinematic masterpiece all while being one itself.
Don’t believe us? Check out the trailer below to see for yourself.
WATCH BELOW: Mank Trailer
Who Is Cast In Mank?
Just like every David Fincher creation, the cast list is riddled with star power. Leading the cast is Gary Oldman (Harry Potter Series, Darkest Hour) as Mank and Tom Burke (Only God Forgives, The Souvenir) as Orson Welles.
Joining the two are Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, The Crown) as Hearst, Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Mamma Mia) as Hearst’s lover Marion Davies and Lily Collins (Emily In Paris, Love Rosie) as Mank’s secretary Rita Alexander.
When Can We Watch Mank In Australia?
Looking for your next binge-watch? Mank is currently in selected Australian cinemas and is set to hit Netflix on December 4.
If you can’t wait until then, you can also visit Netflix’s secret website sharing the film’s soundtrack and behind-the-scenes stills to whet your appetite.
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