A Timely Satire: "The Death of Stalin" Mirrors Today's Political Landscape
Released in 2017, Armando Iannucci's "The Death of Stalin" was immediately recognized as a sharp political satire, despite being filmed in 2016. Iannucci, known for his biting wit in shows like "The Thick of It" and "Veep," masterfully captured the chaos and absurdity of government in this darkly comedic portrayal of the power struggles that followed Joseph Stalin's death in 1953.
Based on the French graphic novel "La Mort de Staline," the film features a stellar cast including Steve Buscemi, Andrea Riseborough, Jason Isaacs, and Michael Palin. It delves into the ruthless jockeying for power amongst Stalin's inner circle, where backstabbing and opportunism become the norm. The film, at times, resembles a horror film, highlighting the chilling consequences of unchecked power.
In a recent interview with Politico's West Wing Playbook, Iannucci reflected on the film's newfound relevance following President Biden's decision to not seek re-election. He drew parallels between the film's committee scene, where everyone hesitates to vote for fear of being wrong, and the real-life situation where many people recognized Biden's shortcomings but were hesitant to voice them.
"Everyone is thinking, 'Yeah, heâs not up to another four years,'" Iannucci observed. "But nobody wants to be the first person to say it. I imagine no one wants to be the first one of his close associates to actually say, 'Itâs not going to happen.'"
Iannucci's insights resonate with the reality of Biden's decision, which many speculate was spurred by his public perception and performance in the 2024 race.
However, the film's true resonance lies in its message: the dangers of allowing tyrants to rise to power. Iannucci emphasizes the importance of true leadership, which is selfless and prioritizes the good of the people, a quality he sees in Biden's decision to step aside and allow the next generation to lead.
He contrasts this with the influence of Donald Trump, whom he fears has corrupted the country with his divisive rhetoric and disregard for truth.
"We made [âThe Death of Stalinâ] before Trump [was sworn into office]. But I think whatâs happened since then is that facts are now irrelevant," Iannucci said. "Weâve retreated into these camps where we only speak to people who agree with us and only get news that gives us the stories we want to hear."
This starkly reflects the current political climate where facts are often disregarded and opinions are polarized. Iannucci warns against the dangers of this trend, comparing it to the totalitarian regimes that control information and suppress dissent.
"The Death of Stalin," though a comedic film, offers a timely commentary on the present political landscape. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of critical thinking in a world where truth is often manipulated. The film reminds us that true leadership is about serving the people, not serving one's own ego, a message that resonates particularly strongly in the current political climate.
