Dark Red Comedy

Rating: 10/10 (5 January 2019)

Very loosely inspired by the historical events this film is one part palace intrigue, one part farce and one part biting satire. The story largely concerns senior Soviet officials all trying to outmaneuver each other in order to survive; because you know the winner must kill the losers. The absurdity of the situation manifests as gaggle of one liners, in-jokes, slapstick and some very clever sight gags. (gravity meet spit). And yet for all that the film never looses focus that the stakes are life and death. When the final scene happens the violence is shocking, a gruesome in context and you feel bad for everyone. Because of the ending you just know the absurdity isn't over. The film ends with laughter darkly.
A lot of this has to do with Iannucci's sharp staging and his work with the cast. He manages to keep the film light and funny without losing the necessary edge. He coaxes from all his actors a certain manic energy that fits the humor *while* reminding us they are in a dog fight for survival. Iannucci opens the film up (i.e. epic shots, crowd scenes, etc.) just enough to let the Russian people and setting though. A group malignant narcissists are in control of the state; they will kill each other sure but we all pay the price for it is the point Iannucci hammers again and again in his mise-en-scene.
This is great film. I am sad I missed it in the theaters.