10 Films To Get You In The Mood For David Fincher's Mank
9. Darkest Hour
Gary Oldman is set for another stellar performance as a real person in Mank, so what better film is there to showcase Oldman's acting prowess than the role for which he finally won his Oscar.
Darkest Hour focuses on Winston Churchill's rocky start as Prime Minister, facing struggle both against the Nazi forces pushing the British Army to the coast at Dunkirk and against internal political rivals in his divisive cabinet.
Of course, a war context is a bit of a different focus from Mank's Hollywood setting, but we mustn't forget that there will be whispers of the European theatre of war on Mank's studio lots.
Aside from garnering two oscars, the film took home numerous awards that season, including a number for Oldman's performance.
It is Oldman that is key not only to making this picture work, but doubtless to carrying Mank. Likewise, there's a particular relish you can sense from actors when taking on real life roles - a particular challenge to muster all their skills and experiences for a nuanced and characterful performance. Oldman's turn as Churchill is just such a performance, and Mank looks set to be another.