A Thoughtful Review of ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ and Its Portrayal of Russian History

In ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin,’ director Olivier Assayas explores the rise of Vladimir Putin and the media strategist who shaped his ascent over two decades. Jude Law portrays Putin with subtlety, relying on dismissiveness and minimal make-up rather than an accent or exaggerated gestures, making the character compellingly cold and calculating. The true protagonist, Vadim Baranov (played by Paul Dano), is a fictionalized figure inspired by real-life advisor Vladislav Surkov. Baranov transitions from a young avant-garde artist to a TV executive, and ultimately a key political strategist who manipulates public opinion and helps Putin consolidate power. The film delves into the post-Soviet Russian society, highlighting the lawlessness, power struggles, and citizens’ desire for stability. Assayas’s direction emphasizes human behavior and media influence, combining historical events like the Chechen War, the Kursk disaster, and the invasion of Crimea with rich character development. The script, co-written with Emmanuel Carrère, distills complex sociopolitical forces while maintaining an engaging narrative. Despite receiving harsh reviews at the Venice Film Festival, the critic praises the film for its intelligence, cinematic craft, and insightful exploration of contemporary Russian history, making it both informative and entertaining.