Jude Law Portrays Putin in Venice Film Festival Premiere

Jude Law portrays Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’ film The Wizard of the Kremlin, which dramatizes Putin's rise to power in post-Soviet Russia. Law approached the role with caution, emphasizing that the film aimed to tell an intelligent and nuanced story rather than provoke controversy, and he did not fear repercussions for playing the Russian leader. He found the challenge in portraying Putin’s public persona, describing him as “the man with no face” due to his poker-faced demeanor, which required Law to convey deep emotion while showing very little outwardly. The film, based on Giuliano da Empoli’s novel, also explores the role of Vadim Baranov, a fictional spin doctor inspired by Vladislav Sourkov, who helps shape Putin’s authoritarian leadership. Law altered his appearance with makeup and a wig but used his own voice instead of a Russian accent, aiming for familiarity rather than impersonation. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival with cast members highlighting the complexity of their characters and the broader political themes involved.