Mank

The narrative begins in 1933, during the height of the Great Depression in America. Herman Mankiewicz is introduced as a figure navigating the challenges posed by an economically strained society.

The timeline progresses to Upton Sinclair's left-leaning campaign for the governorship of California. His candidacy not only invigorates political discourse but also ignites fear among Hollywood elites, who begin to organize against him.

Sinclair's campaign is met with fierce opposition from major studios like MGM, which launch disinformation campaigns to discredit him. The political climate influences Hollywood’s creativity and highlights the industry's inclination to protect the status quo.

Amidst political upheaval, Mank confronts his own ethical compromises and the small lies he has told. His reflections serve as a microcosm of the broader moral questions faced by individuals in a corrupt system.

William Randolph Hearst is introduced, portrayed by Charles Dance, who interacts with Mank in a pivotal scene. He shares the 'parable of the organ grinder's monkey,' revealing the intricacies of power and control within the Hollywood elite.

Mank starts to push back against Hearst's influence, buoyed by support from Orson Welles. This act of defiance sets off a chain reaction that has dire consequences for Mank's career and personal life.

As a result of his confrontation with Hearst, Mank finds himself jobless. This loss is compounded by the struggles he faces with his alcohol addiction, leading to further isolation from the Hollywood community.

While dealing with a broken leg and confined to his bed, Mank channels his frustrations into writing *Citizen Kane*. This iconic film becomes a crucial outlet for his creativity during a difficult time.

Despite his struggles and isolation, Mank wins the Oscar for *Citizen Kane*. This accolade represents not only a personal victory but also the culmination of his complex legacy in Hollywood.

In a moment of introspection, Mank articulates the importance of storytelling, saying, 'We have got a huge responsibility, to people in the dark willingly checking their disbelief at the door.' This highlights his awareness of the power of film.

As the film progresses, Mank's isolation from friends and family becomes more apparent. His battle against alcohol dependency intensifies, showing the personal toll of his choices amidst the chaos of his surroundings.

In the end, Mank's journey illustrates the deep influence of personal choices against the backdrop of tumultuous political and social change. His legacy serves as a reminder of the intersection between individual actions and historical events.

The impact of Mank's work continues to resonate beyond his lifetime. The film concludes by hinting at how the stories told in Hollywood influence society's understanding of itself, highlighting the power of cinema.