Boyle's 'Ink' delivers a frenetic look at tabloid journalism's origins
Danny Boyle's new film 'Ink' dramatizes the launch of the Sun newspaper under Rupert Murdoch and editor Larry Lamb. The movie, adapted from James Graham's play, stars Jack O'Connell and Guy Pearce. Critics note its energetic but heavy-handed style.
The film dramatizes the 1969 kidnapping of Muriel McKay, wife of a Murdoch executive, mistaken for Murdoch’s own spouse—a case that remains unresolved, as her body was never recovered. This subplot anchors the movie’s darker undertones, contrasting with the raucous depiction of the Sun’s rise under editor Larry Lamb, played by Jack O’Connell. Guy Pearce’s Murdoch appears more squeamish than monstrous, while Claire Foy portrays a composite women’s editor powerless against the paper’s creeping sexism. The adaptation stems from James Graham’s 2017 stage play, shifting from theater to Boyle’s signature visual excess.
This film could reignite public debate about tabloid ethics and media consolidation, particularly as audiences compare the Sun’s origins to modern digital news cycles. Viewers may reflect on how sensationalism and personal tragedy are commodified, potentially influencing discussions around press regulation and accountability. The portrayal of Murdoch and Lamb might shape perceptions of media moguls today, though its heavy-handed style risks polarizing critics and casual viewers alike.