Jude Law Portrays Putin in Venice Film Festival Premiere

At the Venice Film Festival, Jude Law premiered his portrayal of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’ film "The Wizard of the Kremlin," adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling novel. The film explores Putin's rise to power through the perspective of a fictional adviser inspired by Vladislav Surkov, highlighting the development of modern Russian authoritarianism amid post-Soviet chaos. Despite the film's high-profile debut and its focus on contemporary political themes, Putin himself stated at a press conference in Beijing that he had neither heard of nor seen the film, making no comment on Law’s portrayal. Director Assayas emphasized that the film serves as a cautionary tale about the shift from chaotic democracy to autocracy in Russia, which he warns holds lessons for the West. The movie’s release comes as Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine continues to cast a shadow over international diplomatic efforts. Law expressed confidence in the film’s nuanced storytelling, distancing the project from controversy for its own sake.