Olivier Assayas’ political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin delivered a powerful debut at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, drawing a nearly 12-minute standing ovation inside the iconic Sala Grande cinema. The film, starring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin and Paul Dano as the Russian president’s propaganda chief, was met with enthusiastic audience response, highlighted by visible emotion from co-star Alicia Vikander and warm acknowledgments from the director. The ovation reflected both critical and crowd appreciation for this tense, layered portrayal of contemporary political power.
The film is an adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli’s award-winning novel Le Mage du Kremlin, translated onto the screen by Assayas and co-writer Emmanuel Carrère. Centered on the figure of Vadim Baranov, the Kremlin’s master propagandist, the narrative explores his significant role in Vladimir Putin’s rise to power and the subsequent transformation of Russian politics. Assayas, known for his eclectic filmmaking style, crafts a meticulous political drama that delves into the manipulations behind the Kremlin’s public image and the complex mechanics of modern autocracy.
Production details include a 156-minute runtime and a strong technical crew featuring cinematographer Yorick Le Saux, editor Marion Monnier, and production designer François-Renaud Labarthe. The film’s international cast also includes Tom Sturridge, Will Keen, and Jeffrey Wright, supporting the central performances of Law, Dano, and Vikander. The production is rooted in French cinema, produced by Curiosa Films and Gaumont, with a screenplay reflecting a close collaboration between Assayas and Carrère.
Industry sources note Jude Law’s casting as Vladimir Putin as a focal point of media attention, given the challenge of portraying a contemporary and controversial political figure with nuance. The film’s reception at Venice, characterized by sustained applause and vocal admiration, signals its potential resonance amid ongoing geopolitical discourse. Olivier Assayas personally acknowledged the audience, engaging warmly with collaborators and affording a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creative team’s acknowledgment of the film’s positive reception.