TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz on Why ‘Citizen Kane’ Will Never Have a Remake

Ben Mankiewicz has a family lineage unlike many. His father was a big political figure and his grandfather was one of the great screenwriters of all-time. Ben is the host at Turner Classic Movies and an esteemed critic in his own right.

He is hosting the TCM Big Screen Classics Series, and the next one up is a classic in its own right, Citizen Kane. Ben joined a panel of journalists, including yours truly, for a roundtable discussion about all things Citizen Kane, his famous grandfather, and how Citizen Kane has been a big part of his life.

REAL TALK:

Another great discussion with Ben. He’s one of my favorite people to listen to talking about movies. His a cinema historian and extremely knowledgeable and informed. One of the true great voices on film. This was another good group of familiar journalists. I enjoy being part of the discussion with them, they ask really interesting questions. I thought Ben gave very thoughtful answers.

It’s amazing to hear about Ben’s family lineage. It’s also what prompted me to ask him about how important it is to him to connect with his ancestry. It’s crazy to think three generations of Mankiewicz boys had so much impact on society and the arts.

I agreed with Ben’s assessment that Citizen Kane won’t be rebooted, in part due to the pressure and expectations it would have to live up to the original. It would be impossible to make it better. It’s just something you don’t mess with.

Another fun chat with Ben. Always enjoyable.

TCM Big Screen Classics Series CITIZEN KANE

The film will screen in theaters around the country from Sunday, September 19 through Wednesday, September 22nd, get your tickets to the Fathom screenings of Citizen Kane

Check out Nick Davis (Ben’s cousin) book “Competing With the Idiots” about the Mankiewicz brothers

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