Jude Law's Compelling Portrayal of Vladimir Putin in 'The Wizard of the Kremlin'
In the absorbing political drama The Wizard of the Kremlin, Jude Law delivers a riveting performance as Vladimir Putin, building on his previous role as Henry VIII in Firebrand (2023). This film, adapted by French director Olivier Assayas from a novel of the same name, offers a gripping account of how political power evolved in Russia after the Soviet Union's collapse, culminating in the rise of a former KGB agent from St Petersburg.
A Fictional Spin-Doctor's Perspective on Russian Politics
The story unfolds through the eyes of Vadim Baranov, a lightly fictionalised character played by Paul Dano, based on Putin's real-life spin-doctor Vladislav Surkov. Baranov's narrative is framed by a visit from a US journalist, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, at his dacha, where extended flashbacks reveal his career and insights into Russia's transformation.
Baranov explains that his father, who ran a Soviet cultural institute, saw the end of an era when Mikhail Gorbachev was handed a glass of milk during a televised address—a metaphor for the de-Russification of Russia. For Baranov, this new Russia presents opportunities, leading him from theatre director to television producer.
The Rise of Oligarchs and Putin's Ascent to Power
At a decadent party, Baranov is enchanted by a singer played by Alicia Vikander, but their romance is disrupted by his charismatic friend Dmitry, portrayed by Tom Sturridge. Dmitry's manipulation of brandy prices illustrates how oligarchs amassed wealth through greed and exhibitionism. However, in Russia, proximity to power outweighs money, as Baranov learns when befriended by oligarch Boris Berezovsky, played by Will Keen.
Berezovsky introduces Baranov to an ex-KGB man, Putin, whom Law portrays with South London vowels, capturing his modest yet ambitious nature. With President Boris Yeltsin ailing, Berezovsky and Baranov persuade Putin to seize power in the Kremlin, a decision that proves fatal—Berezovsky later dies in exile near Ascot under mysterious circumstances.
Putin's Global View and Baranov's Influence
As Putin's power intensifies, he becomes known as the Tsar, with Baranov dubbed the 'New Rasputin' for his sway. The film depicts how Putin's worldview is shaped by post-Soviet humiliation, such as feeling treated as an insignificant leader at a G20 summit. Assayas presents this as a lively thriller, blending recent history with informed supposition to engage audiences without relying on movies for geopolitical education.
While The Wizard of the Kremlin may not fully clarify why Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022, it succeeds as an absorbing political drama that delves into Russia's complex power dynamics.
Brian Cox's 'Glenrothan': A Clichéd Scottish Tale
In contrast, Glenrothan, the directorial debut of Brian Cox, aims to entertain with a sentimental Scottish story but falls short, resembling a porridge of clichés. Cox plays Sandy Nairn, proprietor of a centuries-old family distillery, whose estranged brother Donal, portrayed by Alan Cumming, returns from Chicago with his daughter, played by Alexandra Shipp.
David Ashton's screenplay attempts to weave the distillery's uncertain future with the brothers' fractured relationship, using clunky flashbacks and Shirley Henderson as the passionate manager. Despite Cox and Henderson's efforts, Cumming's hammy performance and the film's strained attempts at Highland charm make it a lacklustre experience.
Lee Cronin's 'The Mummy': A Perverse Horror Delight
Lee Cronin's The Mummy offers a perverse delight in horror, starting with an Egyptian family where the mother, played by Hayat Kamille, is a witch tasked with keeping an ancient curse at bay. When an American family in Cairo has their daughter Katie, portrayed by Natalie Grace, kidnapped, she becomes a vessel for ancient horror, leading to terrifying ordeals.
With game performances from Grace, Laia Costa, and Veronica Falcón, the film excels in subverting expectations, eliciting winces, screams, and laughter from audiences. Although the ending feels reminiscent of The Exorcist with a Marvel-like silliness, it remains a thrilling horror experience that redefines fear.
