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Dano, Law, Vikander Star in Putin Thriller
12 Feb
Summary
- Paul Dano portrays a spin doctor to a rising KGB agent.
- Alicia Vikander plays a magnetic woman beyond his control.
- The film explores shaping modern Russia and its dark secrets.
Olivier Assayas' ambitious political thriller, "The Wizard of the Kremlin," has secured North American distribution with Vertical. The film, which premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, stars Paul Dano as Vadim Baranov, an artist turned reality TV producer who becomes the key spin doctor for a rising KGB agent, Vladimir Putin, portrayed by Jude Law. Set against the backdrop of post-Soviet chaos in the early 1990s, Baranov manipulates and shapes the new Russia.
Alicia Vikander appears as Ksenia, a magnetic figure who defies Baranov's control, tempting him away from the dangerous game of power. The narrative follows Baranov's journey into the heart of power, blurring lines between truth and deception. Years later, after a period of silence, Baranov emerges to expose the regime's dark secrets.
The film is based on Giuliano da Empoli's novel and is written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère. It also features Tom Sturridge, Will Keen, and Jeffrey Wright. Assayas described the production as an ambitious and joyful adventure, expressing excitement for North American audiences to experience it in theaters later this year.
