Olivier Assayas's political thriller, “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” premiered to a hugely enthusiastic 10-minute standing ovation at this year’s Venice Film Festival. The film, which stars Jude Law as Vladimir Putin and Paul Dano as his fictional former right-hand man Vadim Baranov, captivated audiences, with Law’s star power drawing screams of “Bravo!” The director, Olivier Assayas, also engaged with the crowd, embracing cast members and acknowledging the cheers, while Alicia Vikander, who plays Baranov’s romantic interest Ksenia, was visibly moved to tears.

Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel of the same name, the film is set during the final years of the Soviet Union and the subsequent chaotic period of post-Soviet Russia. It follows Vadim Baranov, a fictional reality TV producer who unexpectedly becomes the spin doctor for Vladimir Putin, a former KGB officer and a rising figure in the Russian Federation. The story, though fictional, gains heightened relevance amidst Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, making it a timely examination of the origins of modern authoritarianism. Assayas described the film as exploring “the powerful cinematic sweep of history in the making,” a drama about “trying to make sense of the chaos that is transforming our world.”

Jude Law’s portrayal of Vladimir Putin is a central element of the film, earning significant praise for its commanding intensity. Law, with burning eyes and a tight grimace, brings a laser-like focus to the role, exuding a