Stalin’s Death and Legacy – Inside Stalin

Inside Stalin is an expository documentary produced by the BBC that attempts to define the man behind the dictator. It explores how a once principled individual transformed into an evil despot. When Stalin died, he lay dead for two days in his room because no one dared to enter without his permission. This intriguing fact reflects the intense fear and paranoia that characterized his regime.

The film uses interviews with family members and dramatic reconstructions of key events. His relationships with women, family and inner circle are explored, providing a fresh insight into the dictator’s motives and behaviour, including his passions and implacable cruelty.

Filmed extensively in Russia, this film reveals the life of a man who came to amass colossal power and exert malign influence over his country for more than 20 years. Stalin emerged as the true victor of the Second World War, having gained a vast Empire in the East. But victory over the Germans was not enough, and his attitude towards the West was fuelled by his growing paranoia. Access to a wealth of new material allows us to glimpse behind Stalin’s granite mask into his extraordinary private world.