Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 11 Episode 15 Steve Buscemi on his role in the new satirical comedy 'The Death of Stalin'

In season 11 episode 15 of Popcorn with Peter Travers, the focus is on Steve Buscemi and his role in the latest satirical comedy, 'The Death of Stalin'. The film is a retelling of the events surrounding the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1953, and the power struggle that ensues amongst his inner circle.

Peter Travers delves into Buscemi's portrayal of Nikita Khrushchev, a key player in the power struggle who eventually emerged as the Soviet Union's leader. Buscemi talks about the challenges of portraying a real-life figure, particularly one who is still controversial in Russia today. He discusses the research he did for the role, including reading Khrushchev's memoirs, and the process of finding the character's voice and mannerisms.

Travers and Buscemi also discuss the film's director, Armando Iannucci, known for his work on the award-winning political satire 'Veep'. They talk about Iannucci's unique style of humor and the challenge of balancing comedy and tragedy in a story as dark and complex as this one.

Throughout the episode, Travers and Buscemi touch on various themes and ideas presented in the film, including the dangers of absolute power, the responsibilities of leadership, and the inherent absurdity of politics. They also discuss the wider relevance of the story, particularly in the current political climate, and the importance of using satire to critique those in power.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating insight into the making of 'The Death of Stalin' and the intricacies of Buscemi's performance. It is a must-watch for fans of the film, as well as anyone interested in the art of satire and the role of humor in politics.