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 premiered in Venice this afternoon.

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. Jude Law is Putin and is joined in the cast by Alicia Vikander, Jeffrey Wright and Tom Sturridge.

The drama is getting mixed notices on the Lido. Jude Law comes in for praise from multiple publications but some are struggling with a perceived lack of verve.

Deadline’s Damon Wise describes the film as “engrossing”: “Though it is set almost entirely within the realpolitik of earl

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