The movie "RKO 281" is a behind-the scenes story about one of the best movies ever made "Citizen Kane." The story within a story is the basis of the whole plot. The dialogue was very imperative to understanding "RKO 281." Not only did it give the background, it was the whole premise to getting "Citizen Kane" made. Liev Schreiber played Orson Welles the brain child to RKO Studios not only had to sway the studios for the making of this film but he also had controversy with his writer Herman Mankiewicz, played by John Malkovich. This was imperative in understanding how self centered Orson Welles truly was. Orson was out to get William Randolph Hearst played by James Cromwell. Making this story quite extraordinary that both of these men were quite similar in their attitudes and lives. Both of them basically wanted the same thing but in different ways. Welles wanted fame and fortune at the expense of another. Hearst bought his fame, he was well known for his extravagant living and possessions.
The setting of the movie was quite elaborate in my opinion. Having to create the look of not only a movie studio, but of a movie set within a movie set. Along with creating the look of the time that "Citizen Kane" was actually made. The costumes had to reflect this as well. It was interesting to see how "Citizen Kane" was made set wise but how sophisticated Hearst lived. .
Each actor in this film gave a great performance. Liev Schreiber not only had to be arrogant, manipulative, driven, motivated, but passionate as well. Whereas John Malkovich had to be a drunk and a brilliant writer. James Cromwell played a cocky and controlling millionaire with a sensitive side to his mistress played by Melanie Griffith. Melanie pulled off the child-like innocence of a secluded woman from society.
Again I found the photography to not only interesting but it must have been challenging as well. There was many wide angle shots, these shots included but were not limited to Hearst's home, the set of "Citizen Kane" and the parties that were thrown.
