MUBI Podcast MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY — Joe Wright gazes into the abyss
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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.
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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.
Absence Of National Reckoning
- Wright argues Italy never fully reckoned with fascism after WWII, unlike Germany.
- That lack of national accountability allowed latent fascist sentiment to persist.
Surprising Contemporary Support
- Wright was surprised Italians he met sometimes defended Mussolini as 'okay' or a victim of Hitler's influence.
- He noted annual neo-fascist gatherings at Mussolini's grave as evidence of ongoing support.
