2021 Academy Awards Series

Kenny and Mike discuss the film Mank and spot faith elements in the David Fincher, Academy Award nominated film starring Gary Oldman as screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. The film examines Mank’s writing the screenplay of Citizen Kane as he struggles to overcome the physcial injuries of an automobile accident, alcoholism, and the ever challenging demands of Orson Wells.  Listen to Mank episode of Faithspotting ‎Faithspotting on Apple Podcasts

Replicating the non-linear form of Citizen Kane, Mank uses flashbacks that depict Mank’s relationships within MGM and the Hollywood establishment, most William Randolph Hearst and Hearst’s mistress actress Marion Davies who would both become the primary subjects of Kane. Fincher wanted Mank to replicate the look, sound, and feel of Citizen Kane so he shot the film in stark black and white, employed similar audio techniques and dramatic editing.  

Faith Elements spotted:

Purpose and Call for Humilty. Mank and Citizen Kane demonstrate the purpose of Biblical calls for humility among the people of God.  Exodus 10:3, Numbers 12:3, Proverbs 11:2, Matthew 23:12, and 2 Philippians among many passages. In contrast to the Judeo-Christian traditions and teaching to humbly act, serve and honor God, pride takes the focus off God and places it on the individual and allows fame and self-glory to become an idol. The narrative about King David, (1 Samuel 16- 2 Samuel) shows the need for humility and consequences of pride as does the request of James and John to be elevated above other disciples. (Matthew 20:20, Mark 10:35)

Like the call to faithfully use talents spotted in One Night in Miami, the call is to use one’s talents (God-given) righteously, humbly, and avoid misusing them (pride). Followers of Christ are called to examine and reflect so as to be able to identify one’s talents.

#Mank, #AcademyAwards