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Wizard of the Kremlin draws long Venice ovation
Olivier Assayas’ new film about a spin doctor shaping Putin’s rise debuts at Venice with a lengthy ovation and a discussion on portrayal and nuance.
Olivier Assayas returns to Venice with a political drama about a spin doctor shaping Putin’s rise, earning a standout ovation.
The Wizard of the Kremlin Draws Long Venice Ovation
Olivier Assayas returns to the Venice Film Festival with The Wizard of the Kremlin, a drama about Vadim Baranov, a former artist who becomes Vladimir Putin’s unofficial adviser during the 1990s. Jude Law plays Baranov, Paul Dano portrays Putin, and Alicia Vikander appears as Baranov’s wife. The screenplay is co written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère, adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel inspired by the career of Putin’s long time adviser Vladislav Surkov. The film’s production teams include Gaumont and France 2 Cinéma with Disney+ involvement, signaling a strong European and global tie in.
The world premiere on the Lido drew an ovation lasting 11 minutes and 42 seconds. Law spoke to reporters about the experience, saying he did not fear repercussions and stressing that the project aims for nuance rather than controversy. The cast also includes Will Keen, Jeffrey Wright and Tom Sturridge, aligning a high profile ensemble with a politically charged narrative.
Key Takeaways
"I felt confident in the hands of Olivier and the script, and that this was a story that was going to be told intelligently and with nuance and consideration."
Jude Law on acting in The Wizard of the Kremlin
"We weren’t looking for controversy for controversy’s sake. And more importantly, I think it was key to remember that it’s a character within a much broader story."
Law on the film’s intent and its portrayal of Putin
The film sits at a crossroads of cinema and political analysis. Assayas leans on mood, character and atmosphere to examine how power is built through media and perception, rather than delivering a simple biography. The collaboration with Carrère and the source novel suggests a deliberate push toward a layered portrait rather than sensationalism. That approach fits a festival climate known for rewarding complexity and restraint in politically charged stories.
Venice audiences often treat power films as social barometers, and The Wizard of the Kremlin appears to follow that pattern. It invites debate about responsibility in depicting real figures and the responsibilities of actors who play them. The involvement of Gaumont and Disney+ signals a broad distribution plan, which could extend the conversation beyond cinephile circles while also inviting scrutiny from different markets and political contexts.
Highlights
- When cinema chases nuance, audiences listen.
- Venice turns film into a social sketchbook.
- Power on screen asks us to question the frame.
- Truth and influence live at the same address in cinema.
Political sensitivity surrounds portrayal of Putin
The film’s depiction of a real world political figure and his advisers invites debates about accuracy, responsible portrayal, and potential backlash. International audiences and markets may respond differently to the portrayal, raising questions for sponsors, broadcasters and distributors.
The festival stage often revises what audiences expect from political cinema.
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