The Wizard of the Kremlin
Fictional spin doctor chronicles Putin's rise to power through decades of political manipulation
The brief
Assayas tackles Putin's rise through the eyes of his fictional spin doctor, and at nearly three hours, it's as sprawling and messy as post-Soviet Russia itself. Paul Dano brings his usual intensity to the morally compromised protagonist, while Jude Law slips into the role of the future dictator with chilling banality rather than scenery-chewing villainy. The film moves like thick syrup through decades of political machinations, more interested in atmospheric dread than thriller pacing. Mixed critical reception suggests Assayas may have bitten off more than he can chew, but if you're drawn to dense political character studies like "The Death of Stalin" or "Vice," this slow-burn approach to recent history might hook you.
The verdict
If you have the patience for dense political character studies and appreciate atmospheric slow-burns that prioritize psychological complexity over entertainment, this ambitious examination of power's corruption will reward your investment. If you prefer tighter pacing or need clear heroes and villains in your political dramas, this sprawling and deliberately opaque approach to recent history will likely test your endurance.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewers who enjoy complex political dramas
- ⚠️ Avoid if you prefer fast-paced thrillers
Heads up
- Political violence and intimidation (moderate)
- Morally compromising situations throughout (frequent)
- References to real political figures and events (frequent)
Credits
- Director
- Olivier Assayas
- Cast
- Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen, Jeffrey Wright, Andris Keišs
Official synopsis
'Russia, early 1990s. Amid post-Soviet chaos, a brilliant young man, Vadim Baranov, charts his path. First
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Master (2012)
Both explore charismatic manipulators who blur truth and belief through psychological control.
Total runtime: 2h 36m + 2h 17m = 4h 53m
