VENICE – Jude Law takes on the role of Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’ “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” which will have its world debut on Sunday at the Venice Film Festival.
The movie is based on Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling book of the same name, portraying the ascent of the Russian President with the help of a fictional adviser named Vadim Baranov, portrayed by Paul Dano. It is set partly in the chaotic period of the early 1990s after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.
Dano’s character draws inspiration from Vladislav Sourkov, a real political strategist often credited with devising the tightly managed political system under Putin. Sourkov stepped down from his role as deputy prime minister in 2013.
“The Wizard of the Kremlin” is expected to spark discussions as Russia continues its three-year-old war in Ukraine. Despite intense diplomatic efforts, there has been little progress toward achieving a ceasefire and resolving Europe’s largest conflict since World War II through a comprehensive peace settlement.
This film represents the English language debut for the French director, known for works like “Clouds of Sils Maria,” “Personal Shopper,” and the miniseries “Carlos.” Alicia Vikander, who he previously worked with on “Irma Vep,” also features in “The Wizard of the Kremlin.”
Production took place in Latvia as they couldn’t film in Russia.
In his director’s statement, Assayas noted that the film “is not a tale of a man’s ascent—or about the power’s imposition or the reinvention of a nation that swings between modernity and archaism, once more enduring totalitarian rule. Although grounded in actual current events, it serves as a contemplation on modern politics — or more so, the façades that now cloak it: cynical, deceptive, and toxic.”
He added: “’The Wizard of the Kremlin’ is not so much a political film as it is a film about politics — and the perversity of its methods, which now hold us all hostage.”
The film is playing in the main competition, with titles like “Frankenstein,”“Bugonia,” “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” “La Grazia ” and “No Other Choice” also vying for the top prizes, including acting and directing awards. Winners will be announced on Sept. 6.
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