Director Danny Boyle's new film, "Ink," chronicles the tumultuous early days of The Sun newspaper under Rupert Murdoch's ownership, focusing on its aggressive rise to become Britain's best-selling daily publication. The movie, adapted by James Graham from his own stage play, began its narrative in October 1969, detailing the first year of the paper's existence after Murdoch, played by Guy Pearce, appointed Larry Lamb, a charismatic Yorkshireman, as editor.
During an eventful 12 months, The Sun transformed from what Lamb described as "a laughing stock" to surpass the Mirror in circulation. The film highlights how Lamb and his team of senior journalists innovated by creating a publication that prioritized entertainment, even in its hard news coverage. The editorial approach focused on understanding what engaged readers and how they found enjoyment, leading to content that prominently featured television, football, astrology, and sex.
This strategy, driven by Murdoch's antipathy towards the British establishment, was considered pioneering at the time. However, even Murdoch reportedly expressed dismay when Lamb, driven by circulation figures, introduced the controversial Page 3 feature. "Ink" offers a vibrant portrayal of this era, characterized by its loud, brash style and snappy editing, mirroring the very newspaper it depicts.
Jack O'Connell has been praised for his "thunderously good" portrayal of Larry Lamb. Claire Foy also stars as Jules, a fictional composite of prominent female Fleet Street figures, who holds her own in the paper's male-dominated newsroom. Guy Pearce's performance as Rupert Murdoch has been described as at times tentative.
The film premiered at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, where its colorful language provided a few new Italian swear words for at least one critic. "Ink" is scheduled for release in the UK on January 8.