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The new film by David Fincher Mank, premiered December 4 on Netflix, tells the story of legendary screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz and his roller coaster experience writing the screenplay for Citizen Kane. The film features a who’s who of the Hollywood heavyweights of the time, including Gary Oldman as Mankiewicz, Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies, Arless Howard as Louis B. Mayer, Tom Burke as Orson Welles and many more – all have played a role in inspiring, creating or attempting to derail what has become one of history’s best-known films. How do you play a film that portrays some of Tinsletown’s most recognizable legends? Very carefully, it seems. Here, learn about the characters in Mank and the real-life actors who play them.
Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz
Everyone knows that Gary Oldman is a master of disguise; after all, he won an Oscar in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The darkest hour. Here it turns completely into Mankiewicz, a witty and brilliant writer plagued with addiction, insecurity and some very questionable cohorts. It’s brilliantly done and could win another gold statue at Oldman.
Tom Burke as Orson Welles
Spectators of The crown will recognize British actor Burke from his role as friend and confidant of Princess Margaret Derek “Dazzle” Jennings, but don’t expect any similarities between Jennings and Burke’s Welles. He plays the talented and haunted director who wants Mankiewicz to write his screenplay as a demanding and ambiguous author, which may not be entirely historically accurate, but is entirely fascinating to watch.
Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies
Mankiewicz may be something of an outsider in the world he lives in, but he’s not alone. Marion Davies is a movie star and the girlfriend of one of the most powerful men in the world, but she is as aware of her status as a Hollywood intruder as much as Mank, maybe that’s why they seem to like each other. Seyfried offers a brilliant interpretation as the cunning and delightful Davies, something the character didn’t get from a subtly veiled portrait like Susan Alexander in Citizen Kane.
Charles Dance as William Randolph Hearst
Dance is not new to portraying powerful men; played the role of Lord Mountbatten in the last few seasons of The crownand played Tywin Lannister in game of Thrones. Here, he brings his experience portraying power to the character of William Randolph Hearst, the tycoon who inspires Mankiewicz’s great work, even though the men themselves don’t always see themselves in the eye. (It’s worth noting that Hearst’s namesake company still owns T&C.)
Toby Leonard as David O. Selznick
Legendary film producer Selznik made classics such as Gone With the Wind is RebeccaIt’s inside Mank, the producer, who was also Louis B. Mayer’s son-in-law, represents the Hollywood status quo that Mankiewicz and Welles are trying to defeat.
Ferdinand Kingsley as Irving Thalberg
Hollywood producer Irving Thalberg lived a short life, dying at 37 in 1936, but it had a huge impact on his industry. The magician producer made films such as Ben Hur is Mutiny on the Bounty, and today he has an Academy Award named after him. It was also a landmark of pop culture; he has been portrayed numerous times in films and on TV, and in F. Scott Fitzgerald The last tycoon it was based on him. Here, Thalberg is portrayed by Kingsley (son of Sir Ben) as an intelligent, cunning, cunning and charming character worthy of his lasting reputation.
Arliss Howard as Louis B. Mayer
Throughout his life, MGM’s Honorable Mayer was one of Hollywood’s most powerful men, something that is on full display. Mank. Howard’s Mayer doesn’t just do the math when it comes to making films (or shelved, when it suits him), he also finds himself embroiled in a government race that divides author Upton Sinclair as a candidate. It’s a merciless reminder that the true power of cinema is often operating behind the scenes.
Adam Rathe
Senior Editor, Arts and Culture
Adam Rathe is a senior editor at Town & Country, dealing with art and culture and a number of other topics.
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