Armondo Iannucci’s last feature film, In the Loop, was a deliciously pointed and uproariously funny political satire – and, it turned out, a midpoint between his two greatest television successes, BBC’s The Thick of It and HBO’s Veep, introducing the element of American politics to his work (and even including Anna Chlumsky in a supporting role). So based on the trailer to his next feature, The Death of Stalin, the television series that follows will apparently be a period piece?
The film, which Iannucci also co-wrote, is based on Fabien Nury’s graphic novel, which is itself very loosely based on the real behind-the-scenes struggle for power in the Soviet Union following the unexpected death of General Secretary Joseph Stalin in 1953. True to form, Iannucci has put together one hell of an ensemble cast: Jeffrey Tambor, Patty Considine, Michael Palin, Rupert Friend, Andrea Riseborough, and a nearly unrecognizable Steve Buscemi. And here’s your first trailer:
The Death of Stalin premieres next month at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is slated for theatrical release later this year.