Is it too soon to be using the savage tyrannical reign of Joseph Stalin for laughs? Writer-director Armando Iannucci (In The Loop, “Veep”) doesn’t think so, and so he has presented us with The Death of Stalin.

Moscow in 1953 is a hive of paranoia, and Stalin is in full flight bully mode. After reading a rare angry letter of protest from one of his citizens, he collapses into a coma (a situation exacerbated by the fact that he has sent all the competent doctors to the gulag). Then the jostling for power begins amongst his potential successors.

In a way, Iannucci may be one of the few contemporary writers who could take on this tale with effective satire and wit. The black humour and double-speak is delicious (anyone who is a fan of Iannucci’s aforementioned movie and television show will not be disappointed), and delivered well by the seasoned actors. My personal favourites were Steve Buscemi’s Khrushchev and Jeffrey Tambor’s dumb deputy chairman Malenkov. In a way, this may be a movie only for Iannucci fans but, then again, who wouldn’t be a fan?

Dear ANU Film Group Member,

You are cordially invited to a night of politically and sexually charged conversation with a side helping of white privilege, drug use, and mild violence.

Now I feel like I really have your attention! What is the occasion, I hear you ask? Well it’s in celebration of Janet’s (Scott Thomas) new promotion to Minister of Health, no less! With her husband (Spall) and other upper-class friends already attending, there is guaranteed to be talk of ‘post-post-feminism’. Did I mention one in our company has a professorship in Utopian Americanism?

If this were a night at the theatre you would say that the stage is well and truly set! And because this party is especially for you cinephiles, the dress code is strictly black and white, of course.

Now you may be concerned that my little festivity is not due to start until later in the evening, but do not despair as this is an unpredictable, fast paced, entertaining ride. The time will fly I promise you.

No need to RSVP and you are welcome to bring a guest, for this is going to be one party you do not want to miss!