Month: January 2022

IMDB link
Running time: 1h 47min
Directed by Armando Iannucci
Written by Fabien Nury (based on the comic books by), Thierry Robin (based on the comic books by), Armando Iannucci
Starring Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jeffrey Tambor

The Death of Stalin is a very well crafted black comedy/satire about the final days and aftermath of Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin’s reign in 1953. The film is based on a comic book, which might be surprising to those who are used to thinking about comic book adaptations in terms of superheroes punching supervillains. The Death of Stalin is a hilarious, yet moving movie about extreme authoritarianism, cult of personality, the lust for power, and the tragic results of it all. This is a film that is exceedingly entertaining, while also providing a (albeit not entirely accurate) history lesson about an important period in history.

IMDB link
Running time: 1h 28min
Directed by André De Toth
Written by Robert L. Richards (story), Frank Davis (screenplay), Ben Hecht (screenplay)
Starring Kirk Douglas, Elsa Martinelli, Walter Matthau

The Indian Fighter is a western from the 50s starring Kirk Douglas, and that should already be a fairly good description of the film. There is conflict brewing between the Sioux and the white man, and it is up to Johnny Hawks (Douglas) to resolve it. Meanwhile, he seems to be more interested in sexually assaulting a Sioux girl half his age. Watching it in 2021, The Indian Fighter is a thought-provoking film, something that its creators probably did not set out to accomplish. Apologies in advance to those few who dare venture further: this review contains barely coherent ranting about masculinity, heroism, and their portrayals. Is it all highly problematic or just good old fun?