Watch RKO 281

RKO 281 is a 1999 drama film directed by Benjamin Ross and written by John Logan. The movie is based on the making of the classic Orson Welles film, Citizen Kane. It stars Liev Schreiber as Orson Welles, James Cromwell as William Randolph Hearst, and Melanie Griffith as Marion Davies. The movie takes place in the late 1930s, during the height of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Orson Welles has just signed a contract with RKO Pictures, and is given complete creative control over his first film. He decides to make Citizen Kane, a fictionalized biography of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

Hearst, who is one of the most powerful men in the country, is outraged by the film and sets out to destroy it. He uses his vast resources to try to stop the film from being released, including threatening the studio heads and orchestrating a smear campaign against Welles.

As the battle between Welles and Hearst intensifies, the film takes on a life of its own. The tension and drama of the making of Citizen Kane is captured in RKO 281. The movie explores the themes of power, ego, and the nature of creativity.

Liev Schreiber gives a powerful performance as Orson Welles, capturing both his charisma and his ruthlessness. James Cromwell is equally compelling as William Randolph Hearst, portraying him as a complex figure with his own vulnerabilities and insecurities. Melanie Griffith brings depth and humanity to the character of Marion Davies, Hearst's mistress and a talented actress in her own right.

The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and period detail that transports the viewer back to Hollywood in the 1930s. The soundtrack, featuring music by John Altman, is also excellent.

Overall, RKO 281 is a fascinating look at the making of one of the greatest films ever made. It is a tribute to the power of creativity and the importance of artistic expression. The movie is a must-see for fans of Citizen Kane or anyone interested in the history of Hollywood.

RKO 281 is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.