Local 706 - The Artisan

Winter 2021

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Throughout my career, I have been truly blessed to have been a part of some extraordinary projects and Mank was no exception. A biopic, fi lmed in black and white, it takes us from the 1930s. It's set around the intertwined Hollywood studio system, reevaluated through the eyes of a witty and alcoholic screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz, as he races to fi nish what is still viewed as one of the greatest American fi lms ever made, Citizen Kane, with David Fincher directing and Gary Oldman in the leading role. This was to be my fi rst time working with Mr. Fincher. I've admired his work since Se7en, and was beyond grateful for the opportunity. Our fi rst meeting was a recitation of what seemed like childhood memories. Each character was a multitude of adjectives: quintessential, sweaty, drab, slick, disheveled, shiny, beguiling, kinky, befuddled, razor-sharp, glamorous. Yes, we THE ROAD TO MANK B Y K I M B E R L E Y S P I T E R I D E P A R T M E N T H E A D H A I R want to be period-correct, and yes, he wants authenticity, but by no means could it be distracting. Our meeting ended and I was fi lled with exhilaration. I knew I had the skills, but this would take more than just skill. It was going to take ambition, perseverance, and most importantly, the support of a seasoned team of hair angels. My fi rst call had been to my Department Head Assistant Colleen LaBaff, having worked on many projects together throughout the years. I knew she was more than qualifi ed, having run enough of her own shows and knowing period work like the back of her hand, and with the highest degree of professionalism, exquisite creativity, and attention to details. I was confi dent that together, we had the tools needed to execute the vision set before us. Thank you my dear friend for jumping in and sharing in the journey. Most of our characters had been living at one time. I researched books that had been written about them: Mank: The Wit World and Life of Herman Mankiewicz, The Brothers Mankiewicz, 36 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2021 H A I R Photos courtesy of Netfl ix Continued on page 39

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