The idea of a battle behind "Citizen Kane" is a fascinating story unto itself, so a movie about such a subject seems like a no-brainer, TV-made or otherwise. And "RKO 281" fills that need fairly well. It's an HBO movie, so we're not demanding accuracy here, and as such, it mostly succeeds. Oddly enough, the movie's at its most entertaining in the first half, as Welles contemplates his big Hollywood move, and during the actual filming. It tends to meander once the film's in the can and the war with Hearst actually gets underway. But it also manages to extract some sympathy for Hearst and Davies. The closing shot of the couple slow-dancing in the empty castle was a soft touch.
Also, as well as the actors are in their roles, I wanted to see more from Herman Mankiewicz. His relationship with Welles is enough for its own movie, but the Malkovich scenes are my favorites.
6/10
Also, as well as the actors are in their roles, I wanted to see more from Herman Mankiewicz. His relationship with Welles is enough for its own movie, but the Malkovich scenes are my favorites.
6/10