How to Become a Tyrant

About How to Become a Tyrant

"How to Become a Tyrant" is a popular documentary series that premiered in 2021. It delves into the intriguing world of dictators and explores the tactics they employ to gain and hold onto power. Through a combination of historical analysis and interviews with experts, the show provides a compelling insight into the minds of dictators and the strategies they use to manipulate their populations.

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• About
• Making/Production
• Actors
• Trivia/Interesting Facts
• Music/Soundtrack

About

"How to Become a Tyrant" takes viewers on a comprehensive journey through the rise and reign of some of history's most infamous dictators. Each episode focuses on a different tyrant, examining their life story, tactics, and impact on the world. The show combines historical footage, dramatic reenactments, and expert interviews to bring these stories to life in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

The episodes cover a wide range of dictators, including Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, and Kim Jong-il. By analyzing their methods and strategies, the show aims to shed light on the techniques used by tyrants to gain and maintain control over their populations. It explores themes such as propaganda, cults of personality, surveillance, and the suppression of dissent.

Through its engaging storytelling and in-depth analysis, "How to Become a Tyrant" offers valuable insights into the dark side of human nature and the dangers of unchecked political power.

Making/Production

The series was produced by Netflix and was created by Joel Karelman. It features a combination of archival footage, dramatic reenactments, and expert interviews. The production team worked closely with historians and experts on authoritarian regimes to ensure accuracy and provide deep insights into the specific strategies employed by each dictator.

The show's compelling visual style and high production values contribute to its overall impact, effectively conveying the oppressive and manipulative nature of tyranny. The use of narration and interviews adds depth to the storytelling, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the psychology of dictators.

Actors

• Peter Dinklage - Narrator: Peter Dinklage brings his distinctive voice to the series as the narrator. With his rich and captivating tone, he guides viewers through the stories of the various dictators, adding an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the narrative.
• Various actors - Reenactments: The show also features talented actors who bring the historical figures to life through dramatic reenactments. These performances help to humanize the dictators and provide a more immersive viewing experience.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The series is inspired by the book "The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics" by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith.
• The show has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to examining the psychology and tactics of dictators.
• "How to Become a Tyrant" serves as both an educational and entertaining exploration of dictatorship, drawing in viewers with its compelling storytelling and captivating visuals.

Music/Soundtrack

• The music for "How to Become a Tyrant" was composed by Benjamin Wallfisch. His score enhances the tension and drama of the series, adding another layer of intensity to the stories being told.
• The soundtrack features a blend of orchestral and electronic elements, perfectly capturing the dark and manipulative themes of the show.