Alicia Vikander on Her Putin Movie: 'It Is Essential Not to Shut Down Conversation'
The Swedish star portrays an oligarch's wife in 'The Wizard of the Kremlin', the new political thriller detailing Vladimir Putin's ascent to power. In an exclusive interview, she opens up about her nomadic lifestyle with husband Michael Fassbender, her whirlwind night at the 2016 Oscars, and why she remains unafraid of repercussions from the Russian government.
Embracing Complex Roles and Career Evolution
It is no surprise that Alicia Vikander accepted the role in Olivier Assayas's latest film. Within her first ten minutes on screen, she performs a punk rock song at a house party while holding a naked man on a leash and appears as a metallic deity in a stage adaptation. "It's a supporting role, but I get to have some very distinct moments," she remarks with a grin.
Vikander, now 37, has built a career on portraying women defined by restraint—androids, wives, and muses. She won an Oscar for her role in The Danish Girl and has starred in films like Ex Machina and Tomb Raider. Recently, however, she has shifted towards more enigmatic projects such as HBO's Irma Vep and A24's The Green Knight. "I probably have that itch now. I would love to do some action again," she admits, but emphasizes her focus on working with inspiring people and projects that excite her.
Nomadic Life and Family Dynamics
Speaking from her London home, Vikander juggles the interview with motherhood, often interrupted by deliveries and doorbells. She and Fassbender, who have two young children, take turns staying home while the other films. "We've been in Lisbon; we've been in London a lot, and we spend a lot of time in Italy and France. We're nomads," she laughs, though hints at the challenges of their unpredictable schedule. "That's the hard part with work. We can't plan far ahead."
'The Wizard of the Kremlin' and Political Commentary
Based on Giuliano da Empoli's 2022 novel, the film follows Putin's rise through the eyes of a fictional spin doctor, played by Paul Dano, with Jude Law portraying the Russian president. Vikander's character, Ksenia, serves as a moral counterweight, evolving from a punk artist to an oligarch's wife. "It's almost like she's a mirror to the beauty of what Russia could be," Vikander explains.
She praises director Assayas for involving Russian and Ukrainian crew members, ensuring cultural authenticity. Regarding potential backlash, Vikander remains unfazed, noting the film's fictional nature. "I very much support the strength of and the power of art in these conversations," she states. "To not shut down conversation, to actually try and understand where thoughts, ideals, issues, come from is the most essential thing for us to do if we believe that something needs change."
Reflections on Hollywood and Future Projects
Vikander recalls her Oscar win in 2016, a night made special by having her family present. She remains engaged with the awards, though family life now takes precedence. Looking ahead, Fassbender is filming a Netflix series on Joe Kennedy Sr., while Vikander is set to star in The Worst, a British dark comedy with Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan. Their careers ensure a life in constant motion, balancing artistic passion with family commitments.
'The Wizard of the Kremlin' is currently showing in cinemas, offering a provocative look at power and morality in modern Russia.
