Jude Law on Playing Putin in ‘Wizard of the Kremlin’: Embracing Bold Choices Without Fear of Controversy

Jude Law isn’t shy about stepping into the shoes of Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’ film “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” which debuted at the Venice Film Festival on August 31. At the film’s press conference, Law expressed confidence in the storytelling. He emphasized that the aim was not to spark controversy but to dive into a character within a broader narrative.

The movie draws from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling book. It presents a fictional view of Putin’s rise during the chaotic post-Soviet era, particularly focusing on his relationship with spin doctor Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano. While Baranov is a fictional character, he draws on Vladislav Surkov, a real-life figure credited with shaping Putin’s image.

To portray a younger Putin, Law opted to change his appearance but kept his own voice, avoiding a thick Russian accent. He collaborated with a talented team to nail down the look, believing that good makeup can work wonders.

Dano, on the other hand, wanted to delve deeper into his character’s psyche, saying it’s essential to explore the ‘why’ behind a role rather than label it simply as good or bad.

Director Assayas responded to a question about Russia’s global dominance with a straightforward “no.” He sees the film as a warning about the evolving nature of politics, arguing that it mirrors the shift toward authoritarianism.

The film’s context feels particularly urgent today, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine still in the headlines. Jeffrey Wright highlighted that while the story is set in Russia, it holds global relevance. He pointed out parallels in American history, suggesting that the film serves as a reflection of potential dangers facing democracies everywhere.

Ultimately, “The Wizard of the Kremlin” invites viewers to consider the unsettling changes in political landscapes, both in Russia and beyond.

For more insights into the relationship between politics and media, you can check out this research study.

Source link

Jude Law,Olivier Assayas,Paul Dano,The Wizard of the Kremlin