The Death of Stalin - Movie Review

Why go see a mediocre film at the theater when you have me around to see it for you? The Death of Stalin actually got decent reviews and some stellar critical acclaim. I don't think I would use the term "brilliant" or be bandying about phrases like "best film of the year" which headlines the movie poster. I'm not sure who the critic was that the poster is quoting (as it is not attributed), but whoever it is needs to get out more. The Death of Stalin is an okay film. Definitely unique, but not exceptional.

Josef Stalin (Adrian McLoughlin) was a brutal dictator. He was known for his secret kill lists. It was advisable not to get on his bad side. Even if it means forcing an orchestra to perform a concerto that has just finished because Stalin calls after the performance is done demanding a copy of the unrecorded session. When he keels over, the power vacuum he leaves creates vying factions who are desperate to out maneuver one another in order to solidify power.

Lavrenti Beria (Simon Russell Beale) is head of Soviet security, which includes the secret police. He maintains secrets on many of his political peers, making him a formidable force and likely successor to Stalin. Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor) becomes Premier of the Soviet Union on Stalin's death, but seems ill-fitted for the job. The succession of power does not feel seamless as Malenkov awkwardly fills the role, seemingly blowing with the wind. Beria seems to have his support. Nikita Krushchev (Steve Buscemi) is First Secretary of the Party. He is also very calculating, going so far as to maintain a list of which type of jokes Stalin likes and dislikes. He seems to enjoy entertaining people with stories, but is as equally cut throat as his peers. Vyacheslav Molotov (Michael Palin) is the luckiest of the senior leadership. Prior to Stalin's death, he had been added to "the list." His loyalties seem uncertain as well. The jockeying for power becomes a comedy of errors as the men attempt to undermine each other and form alliances to consolidate support to become the new Premier.

The Death of Stalin takes actual events that occurred in 1953, allowing artistic liberties, and creates a comedic look at the political posturing of the Council of Ministers following Stalin's death. The film makes light of the torture, murder and fear that were rampant in that era, using it to construct funny scenarios. The humor is a bit dry for my liking, leaning more toward slapstick than the more British deadpan type humor. I laughed a few times, but I found the story to be a bit tiring and not compelling. The story moved along okay, although tediously at times, and tied things together neatly at the end. Although it was less than "climactic."

The best part of this film is probably the visual appeal. As a period piece, the film had some interesting details. The film contrasted the pomp and circumstance of Stalin's funeral against the workaday dreariness of Russian apartment living. The funeral is rich with red tapestry and ornate flower arrangements. The apartment scene (in which a conversation is muted by flushing the toilet) is delayed because the water is not filling up quick enough. The costumes were well done and the look was polished. The comedy was also very visual, making this film more about the look than the story. Although the dialogue wasn't particularly bad. The characters were mildly interesting, mostly because the film had an exceptional cast. Buscemi as Krushchev? Whose idea was that? It worked for me. As strange a casting as that seems.

The Death of Stalin received an R rating from the MPAA. The rating is related to violence, torture (implied), sexual themes, death and language. It is mostly driven by the language and a bit of violence. This film would be okay for a teenage audience, although I am not sure they will relate to either the subject matter or the humor. The film has a run time of one hour, 47 minutes. The film appeared to be edited well, making the run time feel about right for the film. While it was tedious, it didn't really slog along at all.

I am not sure what I was expecting from The Death of Stalin. Buscemi is one of my favorite actors. I thought it might be brilliant. I was disappointed. While I laughed a few times, the film wasn't excessively funny. I will give the film credit for originality though. Taking a fairly serious incident during the Cold War and making it a comedy is an undertaking I would never attempted. The comedy mostly pokes fun at the Council of Ministers, making them appear to be a bunch of bumbling, back-stabbing oafs. There may be some truth to that. The writing was okay, with dialogue that was good, a strong cast and characters that were mildly engaging. The story itself felt a bit forced, contrived...I don't know...tedious is the best word I can think of. It's not a bad film. I would give it a mild recommendation, but maybe suggest waiting for it on video. 6/10.

The trailer and photos are subject to copyright by Quad Productions.