Image provided by Netflix
When David Fincher decides to take on a new project, I almost immediately place it on my most anticipated list. Lately, he has hit almost a homerun with every single piece of media he and Netflix have created together. This time however, Fincher returns to the director's chair. His first time back since the release of his acclaimed film Gone Girl in 2014. Fincher has proven time and time again that he not only creates a captivating and well made movie but perhaps most importantly: A good movie. To no one's surprise, he has done this yet again with Mank.
Mank takes on the story of famous screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and centers around his life at the time during the writing of the screenplay Citizen Kane. Mank stars Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried and Lily Collins while being directed by David Fincher. To no one's surprise, the direction and casting of the film is flawless. Oldman's portrayal of Herman Mankiewicz is surely bound to be a contender at the Oscars next year. Seyfried excels in perhaps her best role yet and not surprisingly Lily Collins continues to show she is a star in the making. Mank is truly an old fashioned Hollywood styled film with it's black and white coloring and it's emphasis on dialogue. Fincher's direction is top notch and perhaps even at it's best. If you are a cinephile, then look no further. This one will age beautifully.
As far as negatives go, I honestly don't have one. My experience watching Mank was one of the best I have had all year long. Way to go Fincher, can someone give him an Academy Award already?
Grade: A+
Mank will start streaming worldwide December 4th, 2020 on Netflix