As someone who knows quite a bit about Mankiewicz, Thalberg and Marion Davies et al, I really enjoyed this however most people don't have the same peculiar obsession with 1930s Hollywood as I do. For the vast majority of the population I can't see this film having mass appeal. Even if you don't know the background however you can still appreciate the absolutely gorgeous cinematography, exceptional acting and fascinating story although some might find it a little slow.
Probably only people interested in Citizen Kane or in the early history of Hollywood will actually watch this so will they like this? Yes, definitely! Not only does it perfectly evoke the feel of the era but it expounds the overwhelming cynicism of the movie industry. Mankiewicz is ostensibly the most cynical of everyone around but as this film unfolds we start to wonder whether in reality he is the most genuine and honest of them all.
Gary Oldman's world-weary, self-destructive characterisation of 'Hollywood's funniest man' captures his spirit brilliantly although because of the theme of this film, doesn't really evoke much of his humour. You'd never guess he was behind most the the Marx Brothers' films from watching this. It's not The Mankiewicz Story, it's about why he chose to write the potentially career-destroying script for (or with?) Orson Wells. It's not his rags to riches story, it's about his personality, his character, his essence and how he fits in, or rather doesn't fit in with the Hollywood establishment.
Apart from Amanda Seyfried's brilliant portrayal of Marion Davies, none of the other characters are particularly warm and cuddly but this is understandable when you remember that most of these people have dragged themselves out of poverty so their hunger and desperation for success and money might not be as easy for us now to appreciate. Tywin Lannister is excellent as W R Hearst making him both malevolent and endearing. You can sort of understand why 22 year old Marion Davies actually fell in love with the 56 year old millionaire.
Probably only people interested in Citizen Kane or in the early history of Hollywood will actually watch this so will they like this? Yes, definitely! Not only does it perfectly evoke the feel of the era but it expounds the overwhelming cynicism of the movie industry. Mankiewicz is ostensibly the most cynical of everyone around but as this film unfolds we start to wonder whether in reality he is the most genuine and honest of them all.
Gary Oldman's world-weary, self-destructive characterisation of 'Hollywood's funniest man' captures his spirit brilliantly although because of the theme of this film, doesn't really evoke much of his humour. You'd never guess he was behind most the the Marx Brothers' films from watching this. It's not The Mankiewicz Story, it's about why he chose to write the potentially career-destroying script for (or with?) Orson Wells. It's not his rags to riches story, it's about his personality, his character, his essence and how he fits in, or rather doesn't fit in with the Hollywood establishment.
Apart from Amanda Seyfried's brilliant portrayal of Marion Davies, none of the other characters are particularly warm and cuddly but this is understandable when you remember that most of these people have dragged themselves out of poverty so their hunger and desperation for success and money might not be as easy for us now to appreciate. Tywin Lannister is excellent as W R Hearst making him both malevolent and endearing. You can sort of understand why 22 year old Marion Davies actually fell in love with the 56 year old millionaire.