Is the movie Mank (2020) based on a true story?

Yes, the movie Mank (2020) is based on a true story. It follows the life of Herman J. Mankiewicz, a Hollywood screenwriter who co-wrote the screenplay for the classic film Citizen Kane with Orson Welles. However, the movie takes some creative liberties and dramatizes certain events and characters for the sake of storytelling.

What is the true story behind the movie Mank (2020)?

Mank is a biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by his father, Jack Fincher. The film is based on the life of Herman J. Mankiewicz, a renowned Hollywood screenwriter, who is best known for his work on the iconic film Citizen Kane.

The movie tells the story of Mankiewicz’s life in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Mankiewicz, who was known for his heavy drinking and caustic wit, spent much of his time socializing with other Hollywood luminaries, including Orson Welles, who would later go on to direct Citizen Kane.

The film chronicles the making of Citizen Kane, which is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Mankiewicz is credited with writing the draft of the Citizen Kane screenplay, although Welles is often given most of the credit for the film’s success.

Mank also delves into the political climate of the era, including the rise of fascism in Europe and the political machinations of William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper tycoon who was the inspiration for the character of Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane.

While the movie is a dramatization of Mankiewicz’s life, it is based on real events and is widely regarded as an accurate portrayal of the era. The film has been praised for its attention to detail and its ability to capture the spirit of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Mank (2020)?

Yes, there is a book titled “Mank: The True Story of the Writer Behind Citizen Kane” by Sydney Ladensohn Stern. It explores the life of Herman J. Mankiewicz, the screenwriter of Citizen Kane and the inspiration for the movie Mank. The book also delves into his working relationship with director Orson Welles and the Hollywood system of the 1930s and 1940s.

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