Definition
Mank (soundtrack) is the official soundtrack album accompanying the 2020 American biographical drama film Mank, directed by David Fincher. It comprises an original score composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, as well as licensed period songs featured in the film.
Overview
The soundtrack was released on December 4 2020 by Sony Classical Records in both digital and physical formats. It contains 44 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 71 minutes. The album is organized to reflect the film’s narrative chronology, interweaving the newly composed score with contemporary popular music from the late 1930s and early 1940s—the era depicted in the movie. Critical reception highlighted the score’s moody, atmospheric textures, characteristic of Reznor and Ross’s previous collaborations, while the period songs were noted for enhancing the film’s historical ambience.
Etymology/Origin
The title “Mank (soundtrack)” derives directly from the film’s title, Mank, which references the surname of Herman J. Mankiewicz, the screenwriter of Citizen Kane and the film’s central figure. The parenthetical “soundtrack” distinguishes the musical release from the film itself.
Characteristics
- Original Score: Composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the score blends analog synthesizers, piano, and orchestral elements to evoke the tension and nostalgia of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Themes recur throughout the album, aligning with narrative motifs such as creative struggle and retrospective contemplation.
- Licensed Period Songs: The soundtrack incorporates original recordings from the 1930s‑1940s, including tracks like “Minnie the Moocher” (Cab Calloway), “The Way You Look Tonight” (Fred Astaire), and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?” (Dean Martin). These selections are integral to the film’s diegetic soundscape, portraying the musical culture of the era.
- Production: Recording sessions for the original score took place at the historic Paramount Studios soundstage, employing both vintage microphones and modern digital mixing techniques. The mastering was completed by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.
- Packaging: Physical releases feature liner notes by film composer and music historian John Gillespie, providing contextual commentary on each track’s relationship to specific scenes. The album artwork utilizes the film’s promotional poster design, rendered in a monochromatic palette.
Related Topics
- Mank (2020 film) – The motion picture for which the soundtrack was created.
- Trent Reznor – American musician, founder of Nine Inch Nails, and frequent collaborator with Atticus Ross on film scores.
- Atticus Ross – Composer and producer known for his work on Fincher’s The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Gone Girl.
- Film soundtrack – The broader category of recorded music specifically compiled for a motion picture.
- Hollywood Golden Age – The historical period (approximately late 1920s to early 1960s) portrayed in Mank and reflected musically in the soundtrack.