Manik

Young Orson Welles is given complete creative control over his film project at RKO Pictures. He collaborates with writer Herman J Mankiewicz, also known as 'Mank,' to develop the screenplay. Welles aims to produce a groundbreaking film under challenging circumstances.

Mank, suffering from a broken leg, is brought to the ranch in Victorville, CA, where he is expected to write his screenplay within 90 days. His work is supervised by producer John Houseman, who gives him notes and supplies alcohol to aid his creativity amidst his injury. Welles contacts Mank to expedite the deadline to 60 days.

While bedridden, Mank’s wife Sara helps him and wrestles with his drinking and frustration about the studio's influence. Mank's drunken outbursts and injuries are linked to his alcohol dependence and stress about his career and political views.

Mank is involved in a car accident caused by a young man, Tommy, which results in his broken leg. Welles visits him in the hospital, beginning their collaboration. Welles encourages Mank to write the screenplay that will become 'Citizen Kane.'

At Paramount Studios, Mank and his team pitch a film concept to David O Selznick, which fails to impress the studio heads. Mank also visits a film set and meets Irving Thalberg and Louis B. Mayer, where he recognizes Marion Davies and William Randolph Hearst, hinting at the inspiration for his screenplay.

Mank starts working with MGM, which supports political figures like Sinclair. He attends Irving Thalberg's birthday at Hearst Castle, where political and Hollywood figures discuss Europe’s Nazi threat and support for Sinclair, revealing Mank’s political stance.

Working under pressure, Mank produces 200 pages of his screenplay in just 13 days, supported by a device given to him to aid his creativity. Houseman praises his dedication but warns about credit issues due to contractual restrictions.

Mank becomes involved in political debates, opposing pro-Nazi sentiments and supporting Sinclair. He faces personal and professional conflicts, including drunken outbursts at Hearst Castle and tension with studio executives, reflecting his growing disillusionment.

As the screenplay nears completion, Mank refuses to change characters to please Hearst. Welles struggles with studio opposition and Hearst’s attempts to suppress the film. Mank’s relationship with the Hollywood establishment and Hearst’s power becomes increasingly strained.

Mank’s drinking worsens, leading to drunken speeches and destructive behavior at Hearst Castle and parties. He faces criticism from friends and family, feeling increasingly trapped and self-sabotaging as his career declines.

Despite setbacks, Mank finishes the screenplay after intense effort, drawing on his personal experiences. Welles later faces difficulties in getting the film produced due to studio and Hearst interference, emphasizing the political and personal battles behind the scenes.

In 1942, 'Citizen Kane' wins the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, awarded jointly to Welles and Mank. Neither attends the ceremony, and Mank publicly claims he had no help, while Welles sends a message jokingly dismissing him.

Herman Mankiewicz passes away eleven years after the Oscar, at age 55, due to complications from alcoholism. He reflects on feeling trapped and self-destructive in his final years, never working on a major film again.