Jude Law recently opened up at the Venice Film Festival about his portrayal of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the new film The Wizard of the Kremlin. The British actor explained that he did not want to do a simple imitation or caricature. Instead, he worked to capture the deeper essence of the character. Law admitted that he relied more on emotion and psychological depth rather than accents or mannerisms. A wig, he said, helped with the physical look, but the real challenge came from understanding how Putin hides his emotions
Jude Law’s Research Journey Into Putin’s Persona
To prepare for the role, Jude Law watched endless hours of footage of Putin. He admitted that the process sometimes felt obsessive. However, this effort gave him a strong understanding of how Putin presents himself to the public. Law explained that Putin often appears calm and unreadable, almost like a man without a face. This quality became a key part of the character study.
The challenge, according to Law, was to show both the inner and outer layers of Putin. Outwardly, Putin reveals very little. Inwardly, there is calculation, control, and an awareness of power. Law tried to balance both sides without making the character look robotic. Instead of imitating gestures, he captured the silence, stillness, and mystery that surround the Russian leader.
Role Without Fear of Repercussions
When asked if he feared consequences for portraying such a controversial figure, Law answered with confidence. He said he trusted the intelligence and care of the script. Director Olivier Assayas built the film as a political drama, not as a provocation. Law explained that he never saw the project as a direct criticism of Putin but rather as a reflection on power, politics, and control.
He also emphasized that as an actor, he cannot play roles while worrying about outside reactions. His responsibility is to the story and the audience. For Law, this meant delivering a performance that respected the complexity of the role without giving in to fear.
Exploring Power and Manipulation in The Wizard of the Kremlin
The film itself dives deep into themes of propaganda, manipulation, and how leaders maintain authority. Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s novel, the story focuses on Vadim Baranov, a fictional spin doctor inspired by real-life Kremlin adviser Vladislav Surkov. Paul Dano plays Baranov, while Jude Law portrays a younger Putin during his rise in power.
The film traces Russia’s transformation from the chaotic 1990s to the early 2010s. Through Baranov’s eyes, audiences see how a political system grows around strong control, careful messaging, and the art of creating national myths.
Jude Law’s Character Study Avoids Simplistic Labels
Law did not want to paint Putin as purely evil or one-dimensional. Instead, his approach was to show the complexity behind the man. Actor Paul Dano echoed this point, explaining that labeling characters as good or bad reduces the story to something shallow.
Although the story is set in Russia, Assayas pointed out that its themes are global. Power struggles, propaganda, and manipulation exist in many countries, not just authoritarian ones. The director even suggested that audiences in the United States may see reflections of their own political environment in the film.
