Netflix Releases Teaser for David Fincher's "Mank"

Netflix seems completely intent on taking nearly every Academy Award they can in this crazy Oscar season and today they have gifted us footage from what is likely their biggest pony in the race.

The streaming giant has released the first brief teaser for David Fincher’s Hollywood period-drama “Mank.” A passion project of the director’s for over twenty years, the film was written by Fincher’s late father Jack who passed away in 2003. Now, thanks to Netflix’s endless cash stream, that passion is now a reality and Fincher has assembled an outstanding cast to bring the story of Herman J. Mankiewicz, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Citizen Kane,” to a screen near you.

“Mank” is centered on the screenwriter’s life, specifically the events that led him to write “Citizen Kane” and all the people he took inspiration from. Although a box office disappointment when it was released in 1941, the film secured an Original Screenplay Oscar for Mankiewicz and co-writer/director/star Orson Welles (Tom Burke) and has been considered by many historians, critics, and filmmakers to be one of and perhaps the greatest film of all time, including the top spot on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Movies in 1998 and again in 2007.

The teaser, although brief, really showcases what kind of film this is going to be. Fincher has gone above and beyond to ensure the film authentically captures the time period while still maintaining his own filmmaking sensibilities. The use of the MPA’s old school logo and vintage typeface was particularly brilliant.

What really stands out however is the cinematography. Fincher’s use of black and white is not only a luscious homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood, but is done so with striking elegance. Gary Oldman looks to give another layered and nuanced performance with gravitas as he disappears into the character. Amanda Seyfried is also a highlight channeling Marion Davies to the fullest accent and all. The teaser is a perfect bite-sized taste for what’s sure to be quite the entree this December.

”Mank” hits select open theaters in November and streams on Netflix December 4. You can check out the first teaser below!