‘Words Are Weapons’: Michaël R. Roskam on Turning a WWII Fake-Newspaper Prank Into a Heist Movie
Belgian filmmaker Michaël R. Roskam adapted the daring 1943 Le Faux Soir newspaper prank into a caper‑style film, casting top French‑speaking comedians and delving deep into wartime printing technology. The movie highlights how satire served as a weapon against Nazi propaganda, echoing contemporary…
In November 1943, a clandestine group of Belgian journalists and printers executed a daring operation that would become the first recorded media hack of the Second World War. By intercepting the Nazi‑controlled newspaper Le Soir and replacing it with a satirical counterfeit titled Le Faux Soir, they turned words into a weapon against occupation forces. The stunt, which has since been celebrated as a masterstroke of resistance, is now the foundation of a new film by Belgian director Michaël R. Roskam.
From Wartime Prank to Cinematic Heist
Roskam, known for films such as Bullhead and The Drop, approached the story as a modern “Ocean’s Eleven” with a newspaper at its core. He said the narrative needed to balance humor with realism, avoiding the pitfalls of pure satire while still honoring the audacity of the original prank. The result is a caper that follows a team of comedians and journalists who risk their lives to publish a fake newspaper that mocks the occupiers.
Finding the Story in the Silence of History
The idea surfaced when Roskam’s co‑writer, Bernard Falaise, was studying media piracy and satire during a university course. A sudden wave of violence against the French satire magazine Charlie Hebdo in 2015 sparked a debate about the power of humor in the face of authoritarianism. Falaise chose to write a script about Le Faux Soir rather than a traditional thesis, and Roskam agreed to direct, recognizing the story’s potential to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Both men noted that the tale was largely unknown outside the French‑speaking part of Belgium. Even within that community, only regular readers of Le Soir were familiar with the prank. By bringing the story to the screen, Roskam hopes to illuminate a lesser‑known chapter of resistance history.
Casting the Comedy Crew
Roskam’s casting choices were deliberate. He sought actors with strong comedic instincts to prevent the film from slipping into outright farce. The lineup includes François Damiens, known for his clownish charm; Arieh Worthalter, a sensitive yet humorous performer; Bouli Lanners, celebrated for his poetic wit; and Mélanie Thierry, whose subtle sparkle adds depth. Together, they form a team that mirrors the original pranksters—ordinary people using humor as a form of rebellion.
Recreating 1940s Printing Technology
To authentically portray the operation, Roskam immersed himself in the mechanics of wartime printing. He visited museums and met with retirees who had firsthand experience with linotype machines—mechanical devices that cast metal type in real time. The director described the experience as “magical,” noting the physicality of the process as a stark contrast to today’s digital media.
Roskam’s research extended to contemporary practices, such as the French museum La Démocrate, which still prints newspapers using traditional methods. By studying these techniques, he ensured that the film’s production design accurately reflected the era’s constraints and ingenuity.
Satire as a Weapon Against Authoritarianism
In interviews, Roskam emphasized that satire has historically been a powerful tool for undermining oppressive regimes. He cited the Nazis’ book burnings as a response to the perceived threat of words, and noted that the characters in the film echo that sentiment: “Why do the Nazis burn books? Because words are weapons.”
Roskam also drew parallels to modern challenges, such as the spread of fake news and state‑run propaganda. He pointed out that contemporary authoritarian regimes often replicate the tactics of the past—creating fake news sites that mirror legitimate outlets—to manipulate public perception.
What the Film Means Today
Roskam believes the story offers a timely reminder that resistance can take many forms. While the original prank did not topple the Nazi regime, it planted seeds of dissent that contributed to the broader resistance movement. The film invites viewers—especially younger audiences—to reflect on the enduring power of humor and truth in confronting tyranny.
Ultimately, the movie serves as a bridge between past and present, illustrating that the struggle against misinformation and authoritarianism is far from over.
Next Steps for the Film
Le Faux Soir premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is currently being distributed worldwide by Goodfellas. The film’s release is expected to spark renewed interest in Belgium’s wartime history and the role of satire in resistance movements.
Why it matters
The film underscores how humor can serve as a subtle yet potent form of resistance, offering lessons that remain relevant in today’s battle against misinformation and authoritarian propaganda.
Key points
- The 1943 Le Faux Soir stunt was the first recorded media hack.
- Michaël R. Roskam frames the story as a heist movie with comedic actors.
- The film highlights the importance of satire in resisting authoritarian regimes.
- Roskam’s research included hands‑on study of 1940s printing technology.
- The story draws parallels between WWII propaganda and modern fake news.
