Mank (2020)

David Fincher's *Mank* earns its place among the best biography movies by eschewing the traditional cradle-to-grave formula in favor of an incisive and focused character study. The film centers on the brilliant, alcoholic, and acid-tongued screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (a phenomenal Gary Oldman) during the specific period he was writing the screenplay for what would become *Citizen Kane*. Through a fractured, non-linear narrative that mirrors the structure of *Kane* itself, the film uses flashbacks to explore Mankiewicz's complicated relationships within 1930s Hollywood, particularly his time as a court jester in the inner circle of magnate William Randolph Hearst and his companion, Marion Davies. It's a biography not just of a man, but of a singular creative process, revealing how personal experiences, political disillusionment, and bitter betrayals were distilled into one of cinema's most legendary scripts. What elevates *Mank* to greatness is its complete immersion in its subject's world, both thematically and aesthetically. Fincher's decision to shoot in stunning black-and-white, complete with period-specific sound design and visual cues, isn't mere stylistic flair; it's a transportive choice that makes the film feel like a lost artifact from the very era it depicts. This meticulous craftsmanship, combined with razor-sharp dialogue and powerful supporting performances (notably Amanda Seyfried's nuanced take on Marion Davies), allows the film to explore complex themes of authorship, artistic integrity, and the corrupting influence of power. Rather than simply listing a man's accomplishments, *Mank* dissects his intellect and his conscience, making a compelling case for his genius while never shying away from his profound flaws, creating a portrait that is as haunting and layered as the masterpiece he helped create.