Jude Law Portrays Putin in Venice Festival Drama

The film "The Wizard of the Kremlin," directed by Olivier Assayas and starring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin and Paul Dano as Vadim Baranov, explores the rise of Putin and the dark evolution of modern politics. Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli's 2022 novel, the story follows Baranov, a fictional Kremlin insider inspired by real figures, who becomes Putin's devoted spin doctor amid the chaotic post-Soviet era. Law's portrayal of Putin has been praised for its nuanced and restrained approach, capturing the president's mannerisms and cunning without sensationalism. The film also delves into Russia's disinformation campaigns and the deliberate sowing of chaos rather than traditional patriotism, highlighting the dangerous and complex nature of contemporary authoritarianism. Assayas emphasizes that the movie is a broader commentary on the invention of 21st-century politics and the global implications of Putin's rise, encouraging viewers to consider moral ambiguities rather than simplistic narratives. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has sparked discussion about political manipulation and power.