The Death of Stalin (2017) Review: A Darkly Comic Political Satire
Released in 2017, “The Death of Stalin” is a black comedy political satire directed by Armando Iannucci and based on the graphic novel of the same name by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin. The film, set in the aftermath of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953, offers a sharp and humorous look at the power struggle that ensued among his inner circle. This review will delve into the film’s plot, themes, performances, and visual style, as well as where to watch “The Death of Stalin” online.
Plot: The Chaos Following Stalin’s Death
“The Death of Stalin” begins with the sudden death of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (Adrian McLoughlin), which throws the Soviet Union into a state of chaos. The film focuses on the frantic and often absurd power struggle among Stalin’s closest associates as they vie for control of the country.
The central characters include:
- Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi): The ambitious and pragmatic party member who seeks to consolidate power.
- Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor): Stalin’s successor as Premier, who is ill-prepared for the challenges ahead.
- Beria (Simon Russell Beale): The ruthless head of the secret police, who has his own designs on power.
- Zhukov (Jason Isaacs): A military leader with his own political ambitions.
As the power dynamics shift and alliances are formed and broken, the film satirizes the absurdity of political maneuvering and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their positions. The narrative explores the comedic and tragic elements of this historical moment, blending real historical events with a sharp satirical edge.
Themes: Power, Absurdity, and Satire
Power and Ambition: The film explores the theme of power and ambition through its depiction of the struggle for control following Stalin’s death. It highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve and maintain power, often leading to irrational and humorous situations.
Absurdity of Political Machinations: “The Death of Stalin” delves into the absurdity of political processes and the often ridiculous nature of power struggles. The film uses dark humor to illustrate the irrational and sometimes farcical elements of political maneuvering in a totalitarian regime.
Historical Satire: The film uses satire to provide a critical and humorous perspective on historical events. By blending factual elements with fictionalized scenarios, it offers a unique and entertaining take on the impact of political decisions and the often surreal nature of historical events.
Performances: Ensemble Excellence
Steve Buscemi delivers a standout performance as Nikita Khrushchev, capturing the character’s blend of cunning, pragmatism, and dark humor. Buscemi’s portrayal adds depth and nuance to Khrushchev’s role in the power struggle.
Jeffrey Tambor plays Malenkov with a blend of comedic timing and pathos, effectively portraying the character’s insecurity and inadequacy in the face of the political turmoil.
Simon Russell Beale brings a menacing and darkly comic edge to the role of Beria. Beale’s portrayal of the ruthless secret police chief is both chilling and absurd, adding to the film’s satirical tone.
Jason Isaacs delivers a memorable performance as General Zhukov, providing a commanding presence and contributing to the film’s political satire with his larger-than-life portrayal.
Direction and Visual Style: Darkly Comic and Satirical
Armando Iannucci’s direction of “The Death of Stalin” is characterized by its sharp wit and dark humor. The film’s pacing and dialogue-driven narrative highlight Iannucci’s skill in blending political satire with historical events. The direction ensures that the comedic elements are balanced with the film’s more serious themes, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.
The visual style of the film complements its satirical tone, with a focus on period-accurate costumes and set designs that evoke the era of Soviet Russia. The cinematography supports the film’s darkly comic approach, using lighting and framing to enhance the absurdity and tension of the political intrigue.
Reception and Impact
“The Death of Stalin” received positive reviews from critics for its clever script, strong performances, and satirical approach. The film was praised for its ability to balance humor with political commentary, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on a historical moment.
The film’s use of dark humor and satire was noted for its effectiveness in highlighting the absurdity of political power struggles. The ensemble cast’s performances were widely acclaimed, contributing to the film’s overall success and impact.
Where to Watch “The Death of Stalin” Online
For those interested in watching “The Death of Stalin,” the film is available on several streaming platforms and digital services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase. Rentals typically start at $3.99, and purchasing the film in HD is around $12.99.
- Apple iTunes: Available for both rental and purchase. Renting costs approximately $3.99, and purchasing it in HD generally costs $12.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for digital rental or purchase, with similar pricing to other platforms.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase. Rentals generally start at $3.99, and purchasing the film is around $12.99.
- YouTube Movies: The film can also be rented or purchased through YouTube Movies.
- Hulu: Available for streaming with a subscription to Hulu.
Conclusion: A Sharp and Satirical Historical Comedy
“The Death of Stalin” stands out as a sharp and entertaining historical comedy that uses satire to explore the absurdity of political power struggles. With its strong performances, clever script, and darkly comic approach, the film provides a unique and engaging take on a significant historical event.
Available for streaming and digital purchase on multiple platforms, “The Death of Stalin” is a must-watch for fans of political satire and dark comedy. Its blend of historical context and humor ensures a memorable and thought-provoking viewing experience.
