Alicia Vikander stuns in midnight blue as she reunites with Jude Law for the 82nd Venice Film Festival premiere of controversial Soviet thriller Wizard Of The Kremlin – in which he plays Vladimir Putin

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On a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon, the political scene transformed into a more dazzling one, as the 82nd Venice Film Festival premiered the latest espionage thriller, “Wizard of the Kremlin.

Instead of a seemingly unexpected choice like John Wayne portraying Genghis Khan, British actor Jude Law takes on the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin in this film adaption of Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel.

He had to help publicize the movie, pairing up with the elegant co-actress Alicia Vikander, during our festival’s midpoint, set in northeastern Italy this year.

In a rather unavoidable turn of events, Vikander, portraying the fictional character Ksenia opposite Law’s Putin in their latest film, stole the limelight on the red carpet. This was particularly evident when she gracefully walked onto the carpet wearing an elegant blue gown, before the official screening on Sunday, outshining her British co-star.

As a diehard fan, I found myself standing right beside the radiant Swedish actress, aged 36, flanked by a sea of shutter-happy photographers. They were all eager to immortalize her stunning off-the-shoulder gown and her poses, as she graced the same space with the dapper Law, 52, who exuded sophistication in his crisp white tuxedo and elegant black dress pants.

In their latest movie, directors Olivier Assayas brought along actor Paul Dano from America. Later, they were warmly received by Alberto Barbera, the festival’s organizer. (Vadim Baranov was also part of this team.)

Before the premiere on Sunday, Law emphasized that he didn’t embark on his newest venture without due caution, and he’s not concerned about potential backlash regarding his performance.

He expressed confidence in Olivier, saying, “I trusted him completely.” Speaking about the story, he added, “It was crafted thoughtfully, with careful attention to detail and depth, not just to stir up debates or sensationalize issues unnecessarily.

The character Law, who underwent a transformation with the help of prosthetics, described Putin as being part of a more extensive narrative or story.

‘We weren´t trying to define anything about anyone,’ he added.

In my expert opinion as a lifestyle connoisseur, this captivating film serves as a stunning adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli’s renowned book that bears the same title. The story delves into the ascent of Russia’s president, entwined with the character of the fictional counselor Vadim Baranov, brought to life brilliantly by the talented Dano.

It is partially set in the early 1990s amid post-Soviet chaos and continues through 2014.

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2025-08-31 18:48