Mank Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

2. It's Inaccessible To A Fault

Mank is going to surprise a lot of people with just how little regard it has for audiences who possess only a limited knowledge of classic Hollywood.

Only a cursory attempt is made to cater to more mainstream audiences by refusing to just spell everything out, which while in theory a good thing, may also cause some viewers to end up feeling a bit lost.

With its complex, time-hopping narrative which spans the gamut of filmmaking and political chicanery in '30s California, it's a film which requires the audience to pay full attention - watching it with subtitles, if only to keep track of the bevy of names thrown at you, is definitely a smart move.

Still, even those familiar with the history of the subject may struggle with Fincher's sure-to-be-divisive depiction of Welles as a man who basically muscled himself a co-writer credit he apparently didn't deserve - a possibility which remains hotly argued to this day.

It's also easy to see how some might see Mank as a little too emotionally guarded for its own good, especially compared to Fincher's fiery prior work - The Social Network in particular - even if those prepared to pay attention are sure to be rewarded by the sharp writing and superb acting on offer.