Benito Mussolini, the founder of fascism, will be the subject of an eight-part series named “M. Son of the Century,” directed by the famous Joe Wright. The series, which stars Italian actor Luca Marinelli, aims to show how a political outsider became one of history’s most infamous rulers in new ways.
Based on Antonio Scurati’s best-selling “documentary novel,” the series follows Mussolini’s life from his time as a journalist to his rise to power as the leader of Italy’s fascist movement during a crucial decade. In this historical story, Wright, known for his work in period plays like “Atonement” and “The Darkest Hour,” does something different.
Wright considers how the British saw Mussolini and says, “Being British, Mussolini has always been this kind of strange, almost clown-like figure.” He sees this series as a chance to examine where fascism came from and how it relates to what’s happening in the world today.
Wright doesn’t make a traditional historical drama. Instead, he uses experimental methods inspired by Italian Futurist filmmakers of the 1920s. The series mixes old newsreels and dramatic reenactments, using vintage back projection and a modern computer score by Tom Rowlands of the Chemical Brothers. This new style brings out the modernist roots of fascism and makes for an interesting watching experience.
The series takes a close-up look at things, with Marinelli’s Mussolini talking directly to the viewers in speeches that break the fourth wall, much like “House of Cards.” “Follow me, you’ll love me too,” he tells viewers in a striking moment. Make you a Nazi, I say.” This method is meant to show how fascism has appealed in the past and is still appealing today.
Stefano Bises, who also wrote the crime series Gomorrah, describes Mussolini as “a giant, intelligent, seductive coward.” He says viewers may briefly understand and feel sorry for Mussolini, but they may feel bad about it later.
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Critics of Scurati’s work say that making Mussolini seem like a person is wrong. But Wright upholds this point of view. He thinks that making people hate people like Mussolini can make them less human, keeping people from realizing how they helped these leaders rise to power.
The series also has some subtle similarities to politics today, though Wright points out that many direct references to current times were left out. One important exception is when Marinelli’s Mussolini says, “Let’s make Italy!” “Great. Again!” The creative team encourages people to make their own links to current events.
Movies like “M. Son of the Century” were made by Sky, Cinecittà, Pathé, and Small Forward Productions in Fremantle. While U.S. distribution details are still being worked out, the series will premiere on Sky in the spring of 2025 for European viewers.
