The Death Of Stalin

In politically uncertain times, a historically-set film can make the entire situation seem better or worse.

So it is with The Death Of Stalin, the latest from life-long satirist Armando Iannucci. His decision to delve into historical context, rather than comment on today’s landscape, is a little odd but it enables him to aim his jabs and comments freely.

He also decides to use a British and American cast, with nary a Russian accent in sight. Although initially jarring this, too, works in the movie’s favour and enables the comedy to shine through as the actors don’t have to force their sarcasm and insults through a filter.

We start ingeniously; with Paddy Considine’s broadcaster needing to re-record a live recital in order to appease Stalin on a whim. The blend of dark humour in the midst of a totalitarian regime truly shines here in the plight of the every-man trying to survive.

We then see Stalin’s titular death and the scrabble for the regime that then takes place brilliantly skewers the selfishness and tyranny of these villainous figures.

Using actors well versed in both drama and comedy pays dividends for Iannucci but, certainly in comparison to his previous film In The Loop (an extension of The Thick Of It) the laughs don’t come quite as thick and fast. Equally, because of the aforementioned accents and comedy focus, it doesn’t quite satisfy as historical document so does fall slightly into limbo for the vast majority.

Some degree of historical and political know-how is certainly required, and it won’t be to all tastes, but it is a well crafted, amusing, interesting and original piece of work which continues Iannucci’s fine oeuvre.

4 stars ****