Oliver Assayas’ topical drama The Wizard of the Kremlin , revolving around a scheming Russian spin doctor who smooths Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power in the 1990s, world premieres in Venice this evening.

Paul Dano plays the titular role of Vadim Baranov, a former avant-garde artist and reality TV show producer, who becomes the unofficial advisor to ex-KGB agent Putin as rises up the political chain.

Dano is joined by Jude Law as Putin; Alicia Vikander as Baranov’s beautiful wife Ksenia, who oscillates between a desire for bohemian freedom and wealth and influence, and Will Keen as real-life late oligarch Boris Berezovsky, a former ally of the Russian leader who became an exiled critic. Jeffrey Wright and Tom Sturridge also feature in the cast.

The team attended the film’s pr

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