Jude Law Takes on Putin in Venice Premiere

Jude Law is stepping into the storm by portraying the enigmatic and often ruthless leader Vladimir Putin in the political thriller, ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin.’ Premiering at the Venice Film Festival on August 31, his bold move is sure to spark conversation.

No Fear, Just Confidence

At the press conference, Law expressed his confidence in the storyline's depth, stating, I hope not naively, but I didn’t fear repercussions. I trusted Olivier [Assayas] and the script to present this tale with nuance. He clarified that their intention was not to stir controversy: We weren’t trying to define anything about anyone.

A Fictional but Familiar Account

Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s acclaimed novel, the film delves into Putin’s rise amid post-Soviet upheaval and his intricate ties with a political strategist, Vadim Baranov (played by Paul Dano). Though Baranov is fictional, he draws inspiration from real-life figure Vladislav Surkov, a key architect of Putin’s public image.

Transforming for the Role

Law took a unique approach to portray a young Putin—not by masking himself with heavy prosthetics but by altering his appearance while staying true to his voice. Olivier didn’t want me to hide behind a mask. We aimed for a semblance of familiarity, Law explained, emphasizing the transformative power of a great wig.

Exploring the Character's Depth

Dano echoed a desire to delve deeper into his character's psyche, noting that simply labeling Baranov as 'bad' oversimplifies the complexities involved. We need to be asking ‘Why?’ he stated, highlighting the importance of understanding character motivations.

A Cautionary Tale for Our Times

Director Assayas clarified that while the film explores Putin’s beginnings, its heart is a broader cautionary tale about the evolution of politics in our era. It’s about the scary and dangerous situation we find ourselves in, relating to authoritarian leaders worldwide, he warned.

Timely Themes in a Turbulent World

With Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the complexities of international politics, the film remains strikingly relevant. Jeffrey Wright emphasized its universal implications, connecting Russian and American histories. He stated, We must aspire toward a better future; if we lose that ideal, we risk becoming what we see in the film.

Join the Conversation

As ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ continues to turn heads, Law's fearless portrayal begs the question: what does it mean to take on such a controversial figure in today’s political landscape? The film is not just a story about Putin but a reflection on the world stage we all inhabit.