British filmmaker Joe Wright has referred to fascism as a “universal challenge,” asserting that the ideology is “embedded within us all.”
Wright, renowned for films such as Darkest Hour and Atonement, characterized fascism as the “political manipulation of toxic masculinity,” an issue he argues is “pervasive globally.”
During an interview with Sky News’ Barbara Serra, coinciding with the premiere of his new eight-part series, Mussolini: Son Of The Century — which chronicles the ascent of the Italian dictator — Wright expressed a desire to explore historical contexts, admitting to his limited understanding of the essence of fascism.
“Growing up in the 80s, the term fascist was often thrown around and applied to any authoritative figure, yet I don’t believe I fully grasped its significance,” he reflected.
“In light of the recent surge of far-right ideologies worldwide, I felt compelled to truly comprehend the meaning of the term and its origins.”
(L-R) Joe Wright and author Antonio Scurati conversing with Sky News
By dictionary standards, fascism is defined as an “extreme right-wing, authoritarian governmental structure that upholds intolerant views or practices.”
This term first emerged among contributors to Benito Mussolini’s movement, the Fasci Italiani group, which evolved into the National Fascist Party and significantly influenced the global proliferation of fascist movements during the interwar period.
Italian actor Luca Marinelli portrays Benito Mussolini in the new series. Pic: Sky
When queried whether interpretations of fascism remain misconstrued today, Wright answered: “I can only speak from personal experience, but I genuinely did not comprehend the meaning of the term, and I do believe we are witnessing a revival, if not of fascism outright, certainly of populism and far-right populist movements.”
Mussolini: Son Of The Century chronicles the narrative of the dictator from the establishment of the Fasci Italiani group post-World War I to his notorious parliamentary address following the assassination of socialist Giacomo Matteotti in 1925.
Featuring award-winning actor Luca Marinelli as Mussolini, the series adapts Italian author Antonio Scurati’s acclaimed “documentary novel” bearing the same title, M. Son of the Century.
The real Benito Mussolini, who served as the prime minister of Italy from 1922 to 1943.
When inquired about the factors contributing to the appeal of Scurati’s novels on the dictator, the author remarked to Sky News: “Probably because the narrative is presented from [Mussolini’s] viewpoint.”
“I am an anti-fascist, but I believe to genuinely understand the historical implications of fascism in my nation and beyond, it is essential to examine the fascist element within ourselves.”
“This is the approach I took in my novels, mirroring the way Wright brilliantly conveyed this concept in his documentary.”
He stated that he believes numerous aspects of fascism continue to persist, with the key characteristic being when “fear overshadows the aspiration for democracy.”
He continued: “Mussolini was an expert in the politics of fear. He originated from the Socialist Party, a party of hope, and was expelled. Then he wagered everything on fear, a scenario that could unfold again.”
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Wright noted that he recognizes the fascist history of Italy is a “highly controversial and emotional matter” for many individuals, yet he concurred with Mr. Scurati that he perceives a “sense of fascism within each of us.”
“What I realized is that fascism epitomizes the politicization of toxic masculinity, which is a phenomenon that exists universally, an issue that is shared globally,” he stated.
When asked to characterize the Mussolini depicted in the series, the director described him as “a profoundly flawed individual.”
Mussolini: Son Of The Century is set to premiere on 4 February exclusively on Sky Atlantic and will be available for streaming on NOW in the UK.
