Jude Law's Bold Portrayal of Putin in Venice Premiere

In a striking world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Oliver Assayas’ highly anticipated drama, 'The Wizard of the Kremlin,' shines a spotlight on the complex political landscape of Russia during the 1990s. The film follows Vadim Baranov, a cunning spin doctor, as he helps Vladimir Putin navigate his rise to power.

Paul Dano takes on the lead role of Baranov, a former avant-garde artist turned reality TV producer, while Jude Law steps into the shoes of the enigmatic Putin. Joining them are Alicia Vikander as Baranov’s ambitious wife, Ksenia, and Will Keen portraying the late oligarch Boris Berezovsky, a former ally turned critic of Putin.

Law's Confidence in Portraying a Reluctant Icon

During the film's press conference, Law was candid about the fears associated with portraying a figure like Putin. "I hope not naively, but I didn’t fear repercussions. I felt confident in the hands of Olivier and the script, which approached the subject with intelligence and nuance," he said. He emphasized that the film seeks to tell a broader story, rather than define the character in reductive terms.

Law admitted that capturing Putin's elusive personality was no easy task, noting, "The public face we see gives very little away. He’s often referred to as 'the man without a face.’ This presented a conflict for me as an actor; the challenge was to convey emotion while showing very little on the surface."

Reflections on Modern Politics and Authoritarianism

The backdrop of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine hung heavily over the conference. Assayas responded to a question about whether Russia currently rules the world, stating, "No, but I understand the concern. The film addresses how modern politics were forged, partly through Putin’s ascent, showcasing a frightening transformation in governance. This narrative extends beyond Russia, reflecting the rise of authoritarianism worldwide."

Dano further elaborated on Baranov's character complexity, stating, "Labeling Baranov as purely bad oversimplifies the story. Exploring the gray areas is crucial; it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths rather than retreating into black-and-white views."

Geoffrey Wright, sharing his perspective as an American, noted the film prompted reflections on America’s own historical struggles with authoritarianism. He highlighted the contrasting narratives of Russian and American history, noting the dire consequences if the hope for improvement is lost.

Behind the Scenes: A Story Adapted for the Modern Age

Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli's novel and co-scripted by Assayas and acclaimed writer Emmanuel Carrère, 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' breathes life into the lesser-known story of Vladislav Surkov—the real-life strategist behind Putin’s rise. The film blends gripping storytelling with current geopolitical themes, making it relevant for international audiences.

Produced by Curiosa Films and Gaumont, and distributed by France Télévisions and Disney+, this cinematic exploration promises to provoke thought and ignite discussions about the future of politics and power.