By Fernando Fuentes
I went in to see The Death of Stalin not knowing a thing about it, and much to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it! A film by director and co-writer Armando Iannucci, starring actors Jeffrey Tambor, Steve Buscemi, Michael Palin, and Simon Russel Beale is a British-French satire about the struggle for power after the death of Stalin.
The film begins in 1953 Russia, the fear and insanity of Stalin’s Russia is palpable. Once Stalin is been found dead the film picks up as Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor) is chosen to be the new General Secretary of the Soviet Party. His total incompetence opens the door for Laverenti Beria (Simon Russel Beale), Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi) and Vyacheslav Molotov (Michael Palin) to pull strings and infight for power. The result is hysterical.
The dark humor the film and the fantastic casting create a unique tone. I highly recommend this film and its clever take on the Russian political syste.
MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE 