Danny Boyle's 'Ink' Delivers a High-Energy Chronicle of Murdoch's Tabloid Revolution
The film, adapted by James Graham from his play, follows Rupert Murdoch's 1969 acquisition of The Sun and his transformation of British tabloid journalism. Directed by Danny Boyle, it stars Jack O'Connell as editor Larry Lamb and Guy Pearce as Murdoch. The review notes the movie is entertaining but lacks a clear moral stance.
The film premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival before its theatrical release on December 11 and streaming debut on January 8. Boyle's adaptation employs a soundtrack of post-punk and electro-pop that deliberately sacrifices period authenticity for energetic effect. The production reunites screenwriter James Graham with his original stage material, which previously ran in London and on Broadway under director Rupert Goold.
The narrative centers on the 1969 relaunch of The Sun from broadsheet to tabloid, with editor Larry Lamb executing Murdoch's mandate for populist, scandal-driven content. The film's montages explicitly connect this historical shift to today's clickbait and post-truth media environment, while the review notes the portrayal softens Murdoch's culpability by depicting him as more ethically hesitant than his editor.
This film may prompt audiences to reflect on how contemporary media consumption evolved from the tabloid era, potentially sparking discussion about journalistic ethics and corporate influence. Viewers in the UK, where Murdoch's media legacy remains contentious, could find the film's ambiguous moral stance either refreshing or frustrating. The release may also influence how younger generations understand the roots of today's polarized information landscape, though its entertainment-first approach may limit deeper critical engagement.