The Death of Stalin showing at St James

Set in the Soviet Union in 1953, this stone-cold black comedy chronicles the chaotic power struggle that takes hold of Joseph Stalin’s inner circle in the aftermath of his sudden death. Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, 2005-2012; In the Loop, 2009) adapts this devastating satire from the graphic novel of the same name by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin. Boasting a stellar cast, including Michael Palin and Steve Buscemi, The Death of Stalin treats the personalities surrounding the authoritarian State with equal parts horror and absurdity. Iannucci’s latest feature is released following the equally critical political satires The Thick of It and Veep (2012) – both TV series that scrutinise the British and US political systems respectively. The film has already gained rave reviews in Britain for its perfect comic sequences, tight direction and performances, and its effective blend of terror and farce – while also raising controversy and debate in Russia. The Death of Stalin will be screened tomorrow at 8.30pm and on November 22 at 7.30pm at St James Cavalier Cinema, Valletta. For tickets, visit http://kreattivita.org .