Oliver Assayas’ highly anticipated drama, The Wizard of the Kremlin, made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this afternoon. This topical film explores the intricate dynamics surrounding a cunning Russian spin doctor who facilitates Vladimir Putin’s rise to power in the tumultuous 1990s. The film features Paul Dano in the lead role as Vadim Baranov, a former avant-garde artist turned reality TV producer, who becomes an unofficial advisor to ex-KGB agent Putin as he ascends the political landscape.
Jude Law portrays Putin, alongside a stellar cast that includes Alicia Vikander, Jeffrey Wright, and Tom Sturridge. The initial reviews from critics on the Lido have been mixed, highlighting both the film's strengths and its perceived shortcomings. While Jude Law has garnered praise for his performance, some critics feel the film lacks the necessary vigor to fully engage its audience.
Critics have described The Wizard of the Kremlin as “engrossing.” Deadline’s Damon Wise noted that although the film is set predominantly within the realpolitik of early 21st century Moscow, it serves as a cautionary tale for the West about the circumstances that led to the current state of affairs. He remarked, “Unusually, though it clocks in at a hefty 156 minutes, it seldom drags,” and expressed a slight disappointment that Assayas didn’t opt for a mini-series format. Wise praised Law's portrayal of Putin, commenting on his accurate depiction of the President's demeanor and accent. He described Dano's performance as more enigmatic and mannered, suggesting that audiences may need time to adjust to his character's unique speech patterns.
The International Cinephile Society rated the film four out of five stars, stating that Assayas’ dramatization, while rooted in factual events, transforms into a compelling narrative about the dynamics of corruption and power through the lens of Baranov’s character. Meanwhile, Next Best Picture awarded the film a score of 7/10, praising its clarity and accessibility amidst a complex storyline filled with numerous characters. They acknowledged the intelligent screenplay but noted that it seemed to lose momentum once Law’s portrayal of Putin took center stage.
Other publications have expressed reservations regarding the film's execution. Little White Lies commented that the film struggles to deliver a significant impact, as it drifts toward a predictable conclusion while losing sight of its original comedic potential. They lamented the film's departure from its more absurd elements, calling it a missed opportunity to explore its intriguing premise.
The Playlist labeled the film as “a bloated bore,” suggesting that while comparisons to Russian literature may seem appropriate, the film ultimately lacks depth in terms of philosophical and psychological exploration. They noted the clunky pacing, which detracts from the narrative's effectiveness in depicting Baranov’s role in shaping Putin’s communication strategy.
Despite the mixed critical reception, Jude Law has received consistent acclaim for his portrayal of Putin. The Telegraph acknowledged Law’s chilling capture of the character’s idiosyncrasies, even as they described the film as overall mediocre. The Times Of London praised Law's performance as “perfect” for the role, while The Independent highlighted the “intense” nature of his portrayal but ultimately categorized the film as lacking nuance and insight.
The Wizard of the Kremlin is adapted by Assayas and award-winning writer Emmanuel Carrère from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel, which is inspired by the career of Putin’s long-time advisor and spin doctor, Vladislav Surkov. The film is produced by Oliver Delbosc of Curiosa Films and Sidonie Dumas of Gaumont, in collaboration with France 2 Cinéma and Disney+. Gaumont is managing French distribution and international sales, ensuring that this poignant examination of power dynamics reaches audiences worldwide.
