Jack O'Connell on Tabloid Drama and Netflix's Rupert Murdoch Movie

Key Points:

• Jack O’Connell stars as Larry Lamb, the real-life tabloid editor of The Sun, in Netflix’s “Ink,” directed by Danny Boyle, which premieres at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 2; the film explores Lamb’s ruthless drive to boost sales through sensationalism and bending journalistic rules.
• The movie portrays Rupert Murdoch’s early challenges as an outsider in British media and his partnership with Lamb to transform The Sun into a provocative, scandal-driven tabloid, shaping modern media culture with lasting societal impact.
• “Ink” is not a straightforward critique but rather a complex look at the complicity of readers and society in embracing tabloid sensationalism, reflecting on capitalism, media ethics, and the origins of today’s entertainment-driven news landscape.
• O’Connell, known for intense, character-driven roles, brings a compelling mix of charm and menace to Lamb, highlighting the character’s belief in his mission despite ethical compromises, while Boyle’s direction emphasizes the film’s energy and moral ambiguity.
• The film’s release on Netflix after a theatrical run signals a shift in streaming platforms’ willingness to engage with politically charged content amid rising anti-establishment sentiments, with “Ink” poised to spark conversations on media influence and public appetite for sensationalism.