Armando Iannucci, critically-acclaimed comedy writer and producer, discusses his film 'The Death of Stalin', examining the relevance of comedic portrayals of political figures, the impact of ignoring the majority in politics, the success of British comedy in America, the threat to the BBC, the importance of examining facts versus belief, and the movie's comedic take on the power struggle in the Kremlin after Stalin's death.
Satire serves as a safety net in a reality increasingly absurd and dangerous, allowing us to cope with powerful and unstable leaders like Donald Trump.
The internet, while a source of knowledge, can also perpetuate polarization and lack of understanding if individuals solely engage with like-minded people and avoid different opinions.
Deep dives
The Serious Side of Comedy in the Trump Era
Armando Janucci discusses the importance of satire in a world where reality is becoming as absurd as satire. He acknowledges the seriousness underneath the comedic elements and believes that turning Donald Trump into a comedy plaything makes him feel safe, when in reality he is powerful and unstable. Janucci suggests that Trump's rise is the logical conclusion of politicians appealing to smaller sections of the electorate, leaving a majority of voters feeling ignored and marginalized.
The Limitations of the Internet
Janucci highlights the dual nature of the internet as a source of knowledge and education, but also a platform for spreading untruths and fake news. He emphasizes the need for individuals to determine how they use the internet and suggests that surrounding ourselves with like-minded people and avoiding engagement with different opinions leads to polarization and a lack of understanding among individuals.
Being Offended and the Role of Religion
Janucci discusses the issue of offense and argues that being offended should not inhibit the expression of different opinions. He believes that offense should not hamper the exploration and analysis of beliefs and opinions, as it is through engaging with different perspectives that understanding can be reached. He also shares his fascination with religion and highlights the importance of allowing imagination to explore different worldviews and beliefs.
Armando Iannucci is a critically-acclaimed British comedy writer and producer. He created the Emmy award winning HBO American political satire 'Veep', and the UK series 'The Thick of It'. In 2017, Iannucci joins Kim Hill to discuss his film The Death of Stalin, which is a comedic take on the events that transpired after the brutal Soviet leader died in 1953.