Films like 'Mank' and 'Zappa' show why time's up for the 'difficult genius' trope

The Washington Post: In the new documentary “Zappa,” a very young Frank Zappa admits in an interview that of course he cheats on his wife, Gail, nonchalantly adding that if he “gets the clap,” they both simply pop some penicillin and go on with their lives. Famous for his irascible perfectionism, Zappa is remembered with affection by Gail and his former bandmates, who speak admiringly, if ruefully, of their exacting, aloof and withholding leader. It’s telling that Zappa’s biggest hit, “Valley Girl,” was co-written with his daughter Moon, prompted by her pleas for more time with her emotionally distant dad.