Introduction to The Wizard of the Kremlin
Jude Law has revealed that he risked becoming "obsessed" while preparing for his role as Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’ film, The Wizard of the Kremlin, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Law stated that there was a vast amount of film material available, and once he delved into it, he became engrossed in finding more and newer content.
Preparing for the Role
Law admitted that the challenging part for him was portraying the public face of Putin, as very little is seen of him outside of his official persona. Law referred to Putin as "The Man without a face." He also mentioned that everything about playing the Russian president during his rise to power was a revelation, as he knew very little about him beforehand. Law’s preparation involved reconstructing Putin’s self-image after a great humiliation.
The Film’s Plot
The Wizard of the Kremlin is based on Giuliano da Empoli’s novel of the same name. The story revolves around a young Russian filmmaker who becomes a KGB spy and befriends Vladimir Putin as he rises to power in the 1990s and 2000s. The film features an ensemble cast, including Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright.
The Cast’s Perspective
Law stated that he had no reservations about taking on the role, trusting in the hands of director Olivier Assayas and the script. Assayas hopes that the film will resonate with the current political climate, as it explores how modern politics was invented and the rise of authoritarian leaders. Vikander, who plays the role of Ksenia, a partner of the fictional filmmaker Vadim Baranov, noted that the story is about many men speaking in rooms, and her character serves as a moral counterpart and a mirror for Baranov to face his decisions and moral responsibility.
Relevance to Current Events
The film’s relevance to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine was discussed during the press conference. Da Empoli mentioned that his book, although written previously, spoke about Putin’s roots and the violence that was present from the start. Wright suggested that the film is essential for the US audience, as it highlights the dangers of drifting towards autocracy. The film was produced by Olivier Delbosc for Curiosa Films, with Sidonie Dumas for Gaumont handling the sales.
The Importance of the Film
The Wizard of the Kremlin offers a unique perspective on the transformation of politics and the rise of authoritarian leaders. Through its portrayal of Putin’s ascent to power, the film provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of democratic values. As the world grapples with the challenges of modern politics, The Wizard of the Kremlin serves as a timely reminder of the importance of critically examining the actions of those in power.
