How a television series dramatizes the seductive rise of Benito Mussolini
In short: Directed by Joe Wright, the biographical drama Mussolini: Son of the Century explores the early political career of the Italian dictator. Rather than a standard period biopic, the series uses a vibrant, high-energy style to examine how Mussolini seduced a nation during the 1920s.
Based on Antonio Scurati's 2018 novel, the series focuses on a pivotal era in Italian history. The narrative spans from the 1919 founding of the Fasci Italiani to the 1924 assassination of socialist politician Giacomo Matteotti and Mussolini's subsequent speech to Parliament on 3 January 1925. To capture this period, director Joe Wright sought to avoid a "stuffy period drama," instead drawing inspiration from the rave culture of the 1990s and the film Scarface. The production premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. It covers the dictator's ascent through his early political activities in the 1920s.
The production required significant physical transformation from lead actor Luca Marinelli, who portrays Mussolini. To prepare for the role, Marinelli gained 20 kilograms (44 lb) and underwent a daily two-hour hair and makeup routine. The series features a score by Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, intended to maintain a specific pace and rhythm, and even includes Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" in its fifth episode. The series was filmed over six months, primarily at Cinecittà Studios in Rome. Other locations included various sites in Naples, Trieste, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Critical reception has been largely positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, 96% of 23 critics provided positive reviews, with an average rating of 8.2/10. A score of 74/100 was given to the series by Metacritic, following reviews from 10 critics. While some critics noted the series' surreal, visionary style, others praised it for its ability to depict how "banal evil gets its way." The show has also earned a prestigious Peabody Award. Furthermore, the production was distributed to several international markets, including North America and New Zealand, by Mubi.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mussolini: Son of the Century
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