On March 17, we hosted a special edition of TALK TO A SERIAL EYE, our online talk series that spotlights conversations with our accomplished alumni and esteemed faculty. Davide Serino joined us to discuss the creative process behind M – SON OF THE CENTURY, offering insights into the challenges of adapting history for television.
M – SON OF THE CENTURY is an ambitious historical drama based on Antonio Scurati’s award-winning novel, chronicling the rise of Benito Mussolini and the birth of fascism in Italy. The series was co-written by SERIAL EYES alumnus Davide Serino (SE#4), bringing this powerful political saga to the screen. The series spans the years 1919 to 1925, beginning with the founding of the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento and culminating in Mussolini’s infamous speech before the Italian Parliament following the assassination of socialist leader Giacomo Matteotti. The series portrays Mussolini’s transformation from a socialist journalist to the leader of a burgeoning fascist movement. The narrative explores his use of political violence, propaganda, and strategic alliances to consolidate power. Alongside his political rise, the series delves into Mussolini’s personal life, including his relationships with his wife Rachele and his influential mistress Margherita Sarfatti.
Production & Style Directed by Joe Wright, M – SON OF THE CENTURY employs innovative storytelling techniques, including direct addresses to the audience by Mussolini himself, immersing viewers in his psychological world. The soundtrack, composed by Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, blends historical authenticity with a modern sensibility, heightening the series’ intensity.
Historical Accuracy & Reception The series strives for historical accuracy, faithfully recreating documented speeches, political events, and dialogues. However, its portrayal of Mussolini has sparked debate, with some critics praising its gripping depiction of history, while others question the balance between dramatization and historical responsibility.
SERIAL EYES graduate Davide Serino played a key role in shaping the script, demonstrating once again how our alumni contribute to groundbreaking European storytelling. The series stands as an example of how SERIAL EYES-trained writers tackle complex historical narratives for an international audience. This, and other questions, were addressed in the conversation between Katrin Merkel and Davide Serino on March 17th.
Watch the TALK TO A SERIAL EYE session here
What to expect from this episode:
- Writing Mussolini:
In this session, Davide will dive deep into the process of writing M – SON OF THE CENTURY, a gripping historical drama that focuses on the rise of Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1920s. The series, based on the 2018 novel of the same name, is a complex portrayal of the early years of Mussolini’s power and the challenges of writing such a controversial and iconic historical figure. - Challenges of Historical Drama:
Davide will share the unique challenges of adapting real-life figures into a fictional narrative, balancing the need for historical accuracy with the demands of storytelling for television. The series aims to provide a compelling, engaging portrayal of Mussolini while exploring the social and political upheaval of 1920s Italy. - Collaboration with International Director Joe Wright:
One of the highlights of the session will be a discussion on the collaboration between Davide Serino and renowned international director Joe Wright. Davide will explain how they navigated the creative process together and how Wright’s vision helped shape the final product. - Creative Process and Teamwork:
Davide will provide insights into the collaborative writing process, revealing how he and the writing team approached the development of Mussolini’s character and the overall narrative arc of the series. He will discuss how the team worked with historical consultants to ensure accuracy and how the script evolved through various drafts.