Guy Pearce Takes Center Stage as Rupert Murdoch in 'Ink' at Venice Film Festival

Guy Pearce, the Australian actor famed for his roles in LA Confidential and The Brutalist, has shared that Rupert Murdoch is "very happy" with his portrayal in the new film Ink, which debuted at this year's Venice Film Festival.

Directed by Oscar winner Danny Boyle, Ink explores Murdoch's early ventures into the British media landscape, particularly his acquisition of the struggling tabloid The Sun in the late 1960s. Boyle has described the film as offering a more nuanced perspective of Murdoch, aiming to steer clear of the negative connotations often associated with the media mogul.

Pearce revealed that during conversations with Murdoch's daughter, Elisabeth, he learned of her father's approval: "Dad's very happy that you're playing him," she told him. However, Pearce noted that Murdoch had not seen the film at the time of the festival.

The film is based on a successful stage play by British playwright James Graham, which previously captivated audiences in the West End and Broadway. Boyle emphasized that the narrative does not demonize Murdoch, instead presenting him as a figure who brought fresh perspectives to a rigid British society.

As Murdoch continues to wield significant political influence through his media empire, which includes Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, the film highlights his relationship with Larry Lamb, his first editor at The Sun. The media tycoon’s complex family dynamics and business dealings have inspired numerous adaptations, including the acclaimed HBO series Succession.

Source: www.abc.net.au