The international trailer for Oliver Assayas’s political drama, The Wizard of the Kremlin, has been released, offering a first extended look at the film starring Paul Dano and Jude Law. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2023.

Adapted by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère from Giuliano da Empoli’s novel of the same name, The Wizard of the Kremlin explores the complex and often opaque world of post-Soviet Russia and the ascent of Vladimir Putin to power.

Plot and Cast Details

Paul Dano portrays a young American financial consultant who becomes entangled in the machinations of Russian power brokers. Jude Law plays a key figure within the Russian elite,offering a glimpse into the inner circles of influence.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of the 1990s, a period of notable political and economic upheaval in Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The film aims to depict the strategies and manipulations employed by those seeking to consolidate power during this turbulent era.

The Novel’s Influence and Historical Context

Giuliano da Empoli’s 1994 novel, The Wizard of the Kremlin, is a work of fiction inspired by the real-life experiences of individuals involved in Russian politics during the 1990s. The novel gained notoriety for its cynical and insightful portrayal of the power dynamics at play. Goodreads provides reader reviews and summaries of the novel.

The period depicted in the film and novel was marked by privatization, economic instability, and the rise of oligarchs. The struggle for control of Russia’s vast resources and industries created a breeding ground for corruption and political maneuvering. Understanding this historical context is crucial to appreciating the film’s themes.