Although it may take some getting used to, fascism is now considered a topic of contemporary discussion. One of the most compelling signs that a topic that had been thought to be relegated to the dustbin of history is very much alive is that it is being mirrored in contemporary art. M is a TV series based on Benito Mussolini, and Variety has the exclusive: director Joe Wright is on board to helm the project. The novel M. Son of the Century by Antonio Scurati will be adapted into an eight-part series titled M. Both the book and the show trace the origins of fascism in Italy and show how Mussolini was a key figure in its development, notably in raising the role of populism in government, a tactic that has been adopted by other fascist rulers and is still widely used today. The series will shortly begin filming, so we should find out in the following weeks who will play the lead role.
It’s a significant part, the type that catapults up-and-comers to fame or tests the mettle of seasoned pros. Screenwriter Stefano Bises, whose previous credits include the critically acclaimed series Gomorrah, The New Pope, and The Miracle, adapted the novel for the film. The scripts also have input from Davide Serino (1992’s The Comedians). Producer Lorenzo Mieli (The Hand of God), nominated for a BAFTA, discussed the series and director Edgar Wright’s involvement with it in an interview with Variety. Today, fascism is a topic of interest to everyone. It’s been important for decades, but now more than ever it needs attention from people everywhere. It’s also fascinating since, prior to Trump, the United States and Anglo-Saxon culture generally didn’t see Fascism as a threat.
However, it is now. That’s why I suggested an English-speaking director [Joe Wright for ‘M’]” Wright is a very diverse filmmaker who has directed Pride and Prejudice, The Soloist, and the much-loved “Nosedive” episode of Black Mirror on Netflix. The director’s long take in the war drama Atonement has become iconic, and his work with British actor Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) on The Darkest Hour earned Oldman his first Academy Award for his depiction of Winston Churchill. Wright has directed two movies in recent years: the period musical Cyrano and the thriller The Woman in the Window. M has not yet received any more information, such as the film’s cast or its anticipated release date.