Luca Marinelli has taken on the formidable role of Benito Mussolini in the upcoming miniseries M. Il Figlio del Secolo, set to premiere on January 10, 2025. While the series is based on the acclaimed trilogy by Antonio Scurati, it is Marinelli’s personal connection to the subject matter and his family’s antifascist history which adds depth to his portrayal.
Marinelli recently appeared on the Italian talk show Propaganda Live, hosted by Diego Bianchi, where he revealed the transformative process involved in becoming Mussolini. When asked about the challenges of portraying such a contentious historical figure, Marinelli expressed, "Si deve decidere di sospendere il giudizio e di tentare di avvicinarsi, di studiarlo, e cercare di capire" (One has to decide to suspend judgment and try to get closer, to study him, and try to understand). This approach underlines not only his professional dedication but also the emotional complexity of the role.
Reflecting on the initial conversations with his family, Marinelli shared an anecdote about his antifascist grandmother. When he informed her about his casting as Mussolini, there was a poignant silence before she asked, "perché?" (why?). He described this moment as charged with significance, noting, "Mi ricordo questi cinque secondi di silenzio vero, e lei che dopo mi ha chiesto ‘perché’. È stato un perché pesantissimo" (Iremember those five seconds of true silence, and she later asked me 'why.' It was a very heavy 'why'). This exchange offered Marinelli insight not only about the character he would embody but also about the weight of history he was about to portray.
The series itself, crafted under the direction of Joe Wright, consists of eight episodes and aims to unravel the political ascent of Mussolini, portraying him through varied lenses— as both a figure of power and complexity. Antonio Scurati remarked on its ambitious scope, stating, "È un film che dura sette ore, ma è una grande opera cinematografica" (It is a film lasting seven hours, but it is a great cinematic work). He emphasized how the audience would be both seduced and horrified by Mussolini’s character, making it clear the portrayal is not merely academic but intimately engaging, stimulating both reflection and emotion.
Marinelli's preparation involved not just studying Mussolini’s language and mannerisms, but also confronting the darker aspects of history associated with the figure. "Si lavora sull’aspetto, sulla voce, sulla parola – continua il protagonista – e piano piano si entra sempre più dentro" (One works on appearance, voice, and words – bit by bit, one enters more deeply). He shared how immersing himself in the character was both captivating and painful, indicating how difficult it can be to separate oneself from the portrayal of such morally complex figures.
This exploration of Mussolini’s life and legacy resonates deeply within the current socio-political climate, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary challenges. It’s this kind of narrative storytelling which Scurati aims to highlight—revealing not just the man, but the era he influenced.
Importantly, Scurati is also set to release the next installment of his literary examination of fascism, timed strategically for April 25—a date symbolically linked to liberation from fascism. "L’ho terminato da poco – svela lo scrittore – in una corsa contro il tempo, perché per me era importante che l’ultimo capitolo che racconta la fine del fascismo e dunque la liberazione dal nazifascismo uscisse in una data simbolica" (I finished it recently – reveals the writer – in a race against time, because it was important for me to have the final chapter, which tells about the end of fascism and the liberation from Nazism come out on a symbolic date). This adds yet another layer of importance to Marinelli’s role, emphasizing the series as part of a larger conversation about history and memory.
With this acting endeavor, Marinelli continues to establish himself as one of Italy's leading talents, using his craft to bring to life stories rooted deeply within cultural memory. Whether through the lens of family anecdote or the broader historical narrative, his portrayal of Mussolini seems set to be both challenging and enlightening, inviting audiences to grapple with the intricacies of past and present.
Marinelli’s commitment to the role is as evident as his respect for the gravity of the material, making M. Il Figlio del Secolo not just a viewing experience but also a moment of collective reflection on the nuances of history and identity.
