The new film ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ by director Olivier Assayas premiered at the Venice Film Festival, offering a fictionalized exploration of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power in Russia, with Jude Law delivering a nuanced performance as the Russian leader. Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s novel, the story centers on Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano, a character inspired by real political strategist Vladislav Surkov, who uses media manipulation and political cunning to shape events in post-Soviet Russia.
The narrative begins in the chaotic 1990s, where Baranov transitions from an aspiring actor to a television executive, crafting trashy game shows to influence public perception. He is recruited by oligarch Boris Berezovsky, portrayed by Will Keen, to support Boris Yeltsin’s re-election through deceptive tactics, such as dubbing old speeches over Yeltsin’s slurred words to maintain an appearance of competence. This sets the stage for Putin’s introduction as a straight-talking alternative to the corrupt establishment, with Berezovsky initially believing he can control the new leader.
Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin is calm and measured, avoiding sensationalism; Law emphasized during the press conference that he aimed for an intelligent depiction without seeking controversy, working with minimal prosthetics to achieve a familiar look. The film explores how Baranov develops strategies that prioritize appearances over reality, including staging gaudy public events, co-opting opposition rhetoric, and spreading online confusion to obscure truth, which become foundational to Putin’s authoritarian rule.
Berezovsky’s mistake in underestimating Putin leads to his exile, while Baranov adapts and thrives by advising Putin on maintaining power through these manipulative tactics. The supporting cast, including Alicia Vikander and Jeffrey Wright, adds depth to the ensemble, highlighting the complex web of alliances and betrayals. Director Assayas stated that the film is about the invention of modern politics, with Putin’s rise serving as a case study for tactics now seen globally in authoritarian regimes.
The premiere on August 31, 2025, received a 10-minute standing ovation, reflecting critical acclaim for its insightful commentary. By synthesizing details from reliable sources, the film provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of propaganda and control, relevant to contemporary political landscapes where similar strategies are employed. It underscores the importance of media literacy and critical engagement to safeguard democratic values against the erosion of factual discourse.
Ultimately, ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ is not just a historical drama but a timely warning about the dangers of political manipulation, urging viewers to recognize and question the narratives that shape our world.