MUBI Podcast MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY — Joe Wright gazes into the abyss
6 snips
Oct 30, 2025 Joe Wright, the acclaimed British film director known for hits like Atonement and Darkest Hour, dives deep into the complexities of Mussolini in his new series. He shares insights on why Mussolini is often seen as a comedic figure, while discussing Italy's struggle with confronting its fascist past. Wright explores the cultural allure of the 1930s, connections between toxic masculinity and authoritarianism, and warns about the dangers of forgetting history, emphasizing the need for collective awareness to prevent similar mistakes today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Music Shapes Modernity
- Joe Wright chose music first to give the series a modern edge and urgency.
- He used Tom Rowlands to bridge 1930s history with present-day resonance.
How The Project Began
- Lorenzo Mieli introduced Joe Wright to the project and Italian collaborators.
- Wright connected with Stefano Bises' work and that's how the series began.
From Caricature To Inquiry
- Wright admits his early knowledge of Mussolini was limited and shaped by caricature.
- He recognized the need to learn the historical etymology of fascism as the term returned to public discourse.
