Armando Iannucci interviewed by Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode

kermodeandmayo・2 minutes read

The Death of Stalin, directed by Amanda In Ooh Cheese, is a dark comedy set during Stalin's death, showcasing a power struggle in the Kremlin between Lavrentiy Beria and Nikita Khrushchev. The film balances comedy and horror, delving into serious topics while highlighting historical figures' flaws and the dangers of populist movements.

Insights

  • The movie "The Death of Stalin" directed by Amanda In Ooh Cheese, balances comedy and horror, depicting the fear of making mistakes in Stalin's Russia, showcasing a power struggle between Lavrentiy Beria and Nikita Khrushchev.
  • The film's meticulous scriptwriting and casting process, avoiding fake Russian accents, aimed to respect historical events while providing a mix of comedy and tragedy, highlighting the absurdity of a bureaucratic system out of control and portraying historical figures like Stalin and Hitler as flawed and incompetent.

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Recent questions

  • What is the main conflict in "The Death of Stalin"?

    Power struggle between Beria and Khrushchev.

  • How was the casting process for "The Death of Stalin"?

    Based on unique qualities, no fake accents.

  • What themes are explored in "The Death of Stalin"?

    Comedy, horror, fear of speaking out.

  • What is the origin of "The Death of Stalin"?

    French graphic novel inspired the movie.

  • How does "The Death of Stalin" reflect today's political climate?

    Emphasizes false narratives, populist dangers.

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Summary

00:00

"The Death of Stalin" balances comedy and horror.

  • The movie discussed is "The Death of Stalin," directed by Amanda In Ooh Cheese.
  • The film was shot pre-Trump and pre-Brexit, set in 1953 during Stalin's death and funeral, depicting a power struggle in the Kremlin.
  • The main conflict is between Lavrentiy Beria and Nikita Khrushchev, played by Simon Russell Beale and Steve Buscemi, respectively.
  • The film balances comedy and horror, showcasing the fear of doing or saying the wrong thing in Stalin's Russia.
  • The origin of the film is a French graphic novel titled "The Death of Stalin," which inspired the movie adaptation.
  • The casting process involved selecting actors like Simon Russell Beale, Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor, Michael Palin, Paul Whitehouse, and Jason Isaacs.
  • The actors were chosen based on their unique qualities and performances, with a mix of voices and no fake Russian accents.
  • The film's script was meticulously crafted to balance comedy and tragedy, respecting the historical events and the impact on millions of people.
  • The cast underwent a two-week rehearsal period to understand their characters and ensure the dialogue fit each performer perfectly.
  • The film's preparation and casting process aimed to avoid on-set issues and allow for seamless execution of complex comedic set pieces.

12:56

"Comedy and Politics Clash in Film"

  • The movie discussed involves a lot of comedy, being laugh-out-loud funny, but also delves into serious topics, making viewers feel conflicted.
  • The film portrays historical figures like Stalin and Hitler as incompetent, highlighting their flaws alongside their power.
  • The movie showcases a bureaucratic system out of control, with decisions made haphazardly and individuals being added to lists without proper justification.
  • Russian literature often features the theme of the little guy being overwhelmed by a large bureaucracy, as seen in the film.
  • A pivotal scene in the movie involves a lengthy committee meeting where decisions must be unanimous, showcasing the absurdity and indecisiveness of the system.
  • The film's relevance in today's political climate, with references to false narratives, alternative facts, and the dangers of populist movements, is emphasized.
  • The director discusses the nervousness surrounding the release of a film compared to a TV show, highlighting uncertainties like financing, casting, and audience reception.
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