The Death of Stalin (2017): the British Mockery that Angered Russia

The Death of Stalin is Armando Ianucci's satire of the true paranoia of life under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.The controversial film has won plenty of fans in some regions but was panned and banned in Russia.Everyone lives in fear of the Soviet leader's frequent executions -- including and especially those closest to him of the Central Committee. But soon that table turns: it's Stalin who falls ill and seems at death's doorstep.With the window closing on the Soviet leader's rule, well, a gaggle of conniving Central Committee members squirm and fight to see who can get through that window of power first.In this British dark comedy, which of the Central Committee members will plot their way to the top?In this episode, I discuss the film's hot potato politics, zany characters, and a ton of accents, yet none from Russia.Directed by Armando Iannucci. Starring:Steve BuscemiSimon Russell BealePaddy ConsidineRupert FriendJason IsaacsMichael PalinAndrea RiseboroughJeffrey TamborConnect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com