My name is Salik Waquas, and I am a filmmaker and full-time colorist with a deep love for cinematic artistry. Running a post-production color grading suite, I work on films, commercials, and creative projects, helping filmmakers bring their visions to life through the nuanced world of color and visuals.
As a storyteller, I am drawn to films that push the boundaries of visual expression, and David Fincher’s Mank is a standout example. Its cinematography not only pays homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood but also showcases modern technical brilliance, making it an essential case study for anyone passionate about the craft. Below is my detailed analysis of Mank’s cinematography, offering insights into why it resonates so strongly with me as a visual artist.
David Fincher’s Mank: A Tribute to Cinematic Artistry
David Fincher’s Mank (the director by the film) is a visual masterpiece that delves deep into the world of 1930s Hollywood, offering a layered exploration of politics, filmmaking, and human ambition. As a love letter to the era and to Citizen Kane, its cinematography captures the essence of the time while blending it seamlessly with contemporary techniques. Here’s my breakdown of its key visual elements.
About the Cinematographer: Erik Messerschmidt
Erik Messerschmidt, ASC, is the genius behind the lens of Mank. Having collaborated with Fincher on projects like Mindhunter and Gone Girl, Messerschmidt has earned a reputation for his precision and storytelling acumen. For Mank, he received the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, a testament to his mastery of light, composition, and texture.
As a filmmaker, I deeply admire how Messerschmidt recreated the essence of Hollywood’s Golden Age while infusing it with modern sensibilities. His partnership with Fincher—a director known for his relentless pursuit of perfection—resulted in a visual style that is both nostalgic and innovative.
Inspiration for the Cinematography
The visual language of Mank draws heavily from Citizen Kane and the work of cinematographer Gregg Toland. The decision to shoot in black and white was not just a stylistic nod to the 1930s but a calculated move to immerse audiences in the period.
Messerschmidt and Fincher went beyond mere homage. They introduced imperfections such as cigarette burns, scratches, and grain, emulating the tactile feel of old film stock. Even the sound design—featuring a faint echo—felt like a love letter to the era’s filmmaking practices. This meticulous approach demonstrates how inspiration can honor tradition while remaining innovative.
Camera Movements: Subtle Yet Purposeful
In Mank, the camera movements are deliberate, reflecting Fincher’s meticulous storytelling style. Tracking shots glide effortlessly through scenes, evoking the grandeur of classic Hollywood without overwhelming the narrative.
Static frames are equally powerful, especially in dialogue-heavy moments where the focus is on character interactions. The restrained movements make the drama more intimate, drawing viewers into the story. One standout moment is the transition between Mank’s lively social gatherings and his solitary writing sessions—fluid camera work underscores his emotional and professional journey.
Compositions: Deep Focus and Layers
Composition in Mank is a visual feast, with every frame carefully constructed to serve the narrative. The frequent use of deep focus—a hallmark of Citizen Kane—creates a layered effect, allowing viewers to absorb multiple storytelling elements within a single shot.
Negative space plays a crucial role in framing Mank’s isolation, especially during scenes of personal conflict. One memorable example is his argument with Orson Welles, where the vast emptiness around Mank mirrors his inner turmoil. These compositional choices not only reflect character dynamics but also enrich the visual storytelling.
Lighting: Chiaroscuro Perfection
The lighting in Mank is a masterclass in chiaroscuro, echoing the high-contrast aesthetic of noir films. Shadows and highlights are used to dramatic effect, heightening tension and emotion. Scenes set at Hearst Castle, for instance, feature intricate lighting that emphasizes the power dynamics and intrigue within the story.
Practical lighting sources, such as desk lamps and chandeliers, add authenticity while enhancing the period aesthetic. This interplay between naturalistic and stylized lighting creates a textured and immersive visual experience. For me, as a colorist, this lighting approach exemplifies how light can be used as a storytelling tool.
Lensing and Blocking: Precision in Every Frame
The lenses used in Mank were modern but adapted to replicate the softness and imperfections of 1930s optics. This choice gave the film its vintage “halo” effect, subtly blurring edges while maintaining clarity in the center.
Blocking, too, is meticulous, with actors positioned to reflect their relationships and emotional states. One striking example is the dinner scene at Hearst Castle, where character placement and movement mirror their shifting power dynamics. This level of precision in lensing and blocking is a reminder of how every detail in cinematography serves the story.
Color Grading: A Black-and-White Marvel
Although Mank is a black-and-white film, its color grading is an intricate process that elevates its visual impact. Every grayscale tone is calibrated to perfection, with rich blacks and glowing whites creating a dynamic range of textures.
The film was shot in 8K, allowing for incredible detail in post-production. Subtle film grain, vignettes, and scratches were added to mimic the aesthetic of nitrate prints. As someone who spends hours perfecting digital imagery, I found this use of modern technology to achieve a retro look incredibly inspiring.
Technical Aspects: Modern Tools, Vintage Aesthetics
The technical execution of Mank is nothing short of remarkable. Filmed digitally on the RED Ranger Monstro with an 8K sensor, the film combined cutting-edge technology with an old-school aesthetic. The widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1 modernized the visuals while maintaining a period-accurate feel.
Even the mono sound mix contributed to the retro vibe, making Mank a holistic sensory experience. This marriage of modern tools and classic techniques is a masterclass in how technology can enhance storytelling without overshadowing it.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Masterpiece
Mank is more than a film—it’s a tribute to the artistry of visual storytelling. Its cinematography bridges the past and present, celebrating Hollywood’s Golden Age while showcasing the possibilities of modern filmmaking.
As a filmmaker and colorist, I find Mank endlessly inspiring. It reminds me that every visual decision, from lighting to lensing, contributes to the narrative. Messerschmidt and Fincher’s work is a testament to the power of precision and creativity, encouraging all of us in the industry to push the boundaries of our craft.