‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ fictionalizes the voice in Putin’s ear, guiding his rise to power

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Olivier Assayas, a French director, creates films that are either deeply personal, like “Suspended Time,” or expansive and international in scope, as seen in “Carlos.” It’s often hard to define his style, but when the story itself provides strong boundaries, his films can be compelling – though sometimes a bit over the top, as is the case with the politically charged, but ultimately exaggerated, “The Wizard of the Kremlin.”

Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s novel, the film explores the rise of Vladimir Putin through the eyes of Vadim Baranov, a shadowy figure who helped pull the strings behind the scenes. Director Olivier Assayas, along with co-writer Emmanuel Carrère, created a sweeping, epic-style story that mixes real events – with Jude Law portraying Putin – and a fictionalized account (Paul Dano as Baranov) to explain how Putin came to power, offering a retrospective look at the forces that shaped his ascent.

The film struggles to feel truly alive, despite its interesting premise. From the familiar setup – an American journalist interviewing a reclusive figure on his estate – to the overuse of narrated flashbacks, it feels constructed rather than organic. Instead of immersing us in the story, it becomes a constant, globe-trotting conversation where characters seem more interested in explaining the historical context than living through it.

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Law delivers a surprisingly strong performance despite a strangely thin role. When he’s the focus, his portrayal of Putin is truly imposing, capturing the real sense of danger the leader exudes. However, the other characters in “The Wizard of the Kremlin” feel more like talking heads than fully developed people. The story covers Russia’s shift away from democracy after the Cold War – a fascinating historical change – but it presents it as a dry lecture on power, hitting key moments from Yeltsin’s corruption to Putin’s use of fear, and relying heavily on clichés and commentary. Characters often spout lines like “If you don’t seize power, power will seize you” or “Russia has always needed a strong leader.”

The character of Baranov, widely believed to be based on Kremlin strategist Vladislav Surkov, is a fascinating study in contrasts – both cynical and ambitious. He starts as an idealistic theater director, then learns to manipulate audiences through reality TV, ultimately using those skills to help a powerful businessman (Will Keen as Boris Berezovsky) shape Putin into a popular and easily controlled leader during a time when people craved stability. However, as the former intelligence officer becomes increasingly obsessed with restoring Russia’s past power, and his goals turn aggressive, Baranov abandons his morals and becomes utterly ruthless.

Paul Dano feels miscast in his role as a guide through a world of corruption – a part that could have benefited from the energy of a classic Scorsese narrator. Instead, he delivers a strangely quiet and secretive performance, with an inconsistent accent, making him seem more like a stereotypical Bond villain than a clever, complex character. He lacks chemistry with Alicia Vikander, who also struggles to make her character – a wealthy girlfriend adept at navigating the shifting landscape of Russian politics – feel fully developed.

Watching “Wizard” feels disappointing, especially when compared to Assayas’ excellent film “Carlos.” This new movie feels rushed and superficial, like a shortened TV series that lacks depth and emotional resonance. It seems designed for quick, dismissive viewing rather than thoughtful engagement.

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2026-05-16 00:01