Director Joe Wright on 'global problem' of fascism and what can be learnt from 'deeply flawed' Mussolini
Director Joe Wright on 'global problem' of fascism and what can be learnt from 'deeply flawed' Mussolini
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British director Joe Wright has said fascism is a "global problem" and there is a sense of the ideology "within us all". Wright, who is best known for films including Darkest Hour and Atonement, described fascism as the "politicisation of toxic masculinity" which he said "exists everywhere".
Speaking to Sky News' Barbara Serra ahead of the launch of his new eight-part series, Mussolini: Son Of The Century - which documents the rise of the Italian dictator - Wright said he was interested in delving into history as he didn't fully understand the meaning of fascism.
"Growing up in the 80s, the word fascist was bandied about and was used against any authoritarian figure, but I don't think I really understood what it meant," he said. "Then with the spread of the far right across the world recently, I felt it was my responsibility to really understand what the word really meant and where it came from.".
Fascism, by dictionary definition, is an "extreme right-wing, authoritarian, system of government that holds intolerant views or practices". The term was first used by members of Benito Mussolini's movement, the Fasci Italiani organisation, which transitioned into the National Fascist Party and largely inspired the international spread of fascist movements during the interwar period.
When asked if concepts of fascism are still misunderstood today, Wright replied: "I can only talk personally, but I really didn't understand what the word meant, and I do think we are seeing a resurgence, if not of fascism but certainly of popularism and far right populism.".
