EXCLUSIVE: Oliver Assayas’ topical drama The Wizard of the Kremlin, revolving around a scheming Russian spin doctor who smooths Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power in the 1990s, world premieres in Venice this weekend.
Deadline can reveal a first clip of Paul Dano in the titular role of Vadim Baranov, a former avant-garde artist and reality TV show producer, who becomes the unofficial advisor to ex-KGB agent Putin as rises up the political chain.
Dano is joined by Jude Law as Putin; Alicia Vikander as Baranov’s beautiful wife Ksenia, who oscillates between a desire for bohemian freedom and wealth and influence, and Will Keen as real-life late oligarch Boris Berezovsky, a former ally of the Russian leader who became an exiled critic. Jeffrey Wright and Tom Sturridge also feature in the cast.
The feature has been adapted by Assayas and award-winning writer Emmanuel Carrère from Giuliano da Empoli’s eponymous 2022 novel inspired by the career of Putin’s real long-term adviser and spin doctor Vladislav Surkov.
“I knew nothing about the process that brought Putin to power – and I found it utterly compelling,” says Assayas in his director’s notes.
“I was unaware of Vladislav Surkov, who served as one inspiration for Baranov, even though the two men cannot be mistaken for one another. Surkov is obnoxious; our Baranov, while complicit in the worst actions of the regime and somewhat perverse, retains a certain humanity.”
The director praised Dano’s performance, noting the actor’s nuance and attention to detail.
“With Paul, every take is right – and in some way, each one tells a slightly different story, as if his work consisted in offering the director a kaleidoscope of choices that spans the entire emotional range of the scene,” he said.
The Wizard of the Kremlin is produced by Oliver Delbosc (Curiosa Films) and Sidonie Dumas (Gaumont) in coproduction with France 2 Cinéma with the participation of France Télévisions and Disney+.
Gaumont is handling French distribution and international sales.
