MANK – this film is a character study into the psyche of Herman Mankiewicz, the actual screenwriter of Citizen Kane. It takes place over the two-three weeks Mank was writing the film and reveals much of his background through flashbacks. I had never heard of Mank or the drama behind the writing of Citizen Kane until I saw this movie. I have no idea if Gary Oldman captures the true mannerisms and behavior of the real person or not. I do know Oldman gives an excellent performance and I suspect he did his homework and is delivering an accurate picture of the man. Filmed entirely in black & white to be indicative of the era, it is a snapshot into 1930s Hollywood. I loved seeing the old movie studios, sets and moguls of the time. The cinematography intentionally employs much of the technique used in the Citizen Kane film which I thought was genius. William Randolph Hearst’s castle is also accurately depicted as are the personalities of Louis B. Mayer and Orson Welles. The performances are top-notch and it was a treat to see Charles Dance as Hearst after seeing him portray Tywin in Game of Thrones for several seasons. Two toasts for this film. No boyfriends or girlfriends necessary.