Introduction to The Wizard of the Kremlin

The Wizard of the Kremlin, a new drama by Olivier Assayas, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and features Jude Law as Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, this film may not be what fans of Law’s previous work expect, as his portrayal of Putin is surprisingly mild-mannered. In fact, Putin is not even the main character of the film, which instead focuses on the story of Vadim Baranov, a fictional character inspired by real-life Russian politician Vladislav Surkov.

The Story Behind the Film

The film is adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling 2022 novel and offers a fascinating interpretation of how Putin’s Russia was created after the dissolution of the USSR. The story follows Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano, a quietly spoken and clever strategist who works behind the scenes to shape Russia’s political landscape. Baranov’s character is comparable to the protagonist of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall novels, as he is the quiet and clever strategist behind the throne, rather than the monarch who sits on it.

The Rise of Putin

According to the film, Baranov was a student in the early 1990s when communism collapsed, and Moscow was filled with young people enjoying their newfound freedom. He initially wanted to be an actor and theater director but soon decided that he could be more influential in television and politics. With the help of Boris Berezovsky, a real-life business oligarch, Baranov worked on the re-election campaign of aging President Boris Yeltsin. However, both Berezovsky and Baranov knew that appearances could be more important than reality in politics.

The Turning Point

Yeltsin’s re-election was successful, but Berezovsky knew that the president’s time was almost up, and his money-oriented regime was losing popularity. Capitalism had turned Russia into a supermarket, and citizens were longing for a stronger leader who could provide stability and direction. Berezovsky saw an opportunity in Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, a civil servant who could be molded into the perfect leader. As Berezovsky says in the film, "He is not a rocket scientist, but he will do well for the time being."

A Unique Portrayal of Putin

Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin is a calm and mild character, which may come as a surprise to those who expect a more aggressive and authoritarian figure. However, this interpretation is consistent with the film’s focus on the behind-the-scenes story of how Putin rose to power. The film suggests that Putin’s success was not just due to his own abilities but also the result of clever manipulation and strategic planning by those around him, including Baranov and Berezovsky.

Conclusion

The Wizard of the Kremlin offers a fascinating and plausible interpretation of how Putin’s Russia was created. With its unique portrayal of Putin and its focus on the quiet strategist behind the throne, the film provides a fresh perspective on modern Russian history. While it may not be what fans of Jude Law’s previous work expect, the film is definitely worth watching for its thought-provoking and insightful look at the rise of Putin and the creation of modern Russia.