Mank

The 2020 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher, based on a screenplay by his late father Jack Fincher, delves into the life and work of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) during the period he was developing the screenplay for the 1941 film "Citizen Kane." Set in 1930s and early 1940s Hollywood, Mankiewicz, known for his wit and scathing criticism, battles alcoholism and gambling while crafting what would become a cinematic masterpiece. The film explores his complex relationships with media magnate William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) and actress Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried), as well as his interactions with other Hollywood figures of the time, including MGM head Louis B. Mayer (Arliss Howard). Presented in a non-linear narrative with flashbacks, the film is shot in black-and-white, paying homage to the aesthetic of 1930s cinema. Filming took place in Los Angeles and Victorville from November 2019 to February 2020. Special attention was given to recreating the era's atmosphere, from costumes and set designs to the musical score composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross using period-authentic instruments. The film received positive reviews from critics for its direction, performances—particularly those of Oldman and Seyfried—cinematography, and production design. It garnered ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, winning for Best Production Design and Best Cinematography.