Overview

• The film world-premiered in Venice’s main competition on Aug. 31, introducing Jude Law’s portrayal of Vladimir Putin.
• Paul Dano plays Vadim Baranov, a fictional strategist inspired by Vladislav Surkov, as the story traces the early post-Soviet years.
• Director Olivier Assayas says the work examines modern political methods rather than serving as a conventional biopic.
• Shot in Latvia because the team could not film in Russia, the project marks Assayas’ English-language debut and features Alicia Vikander among the cast.
• At the Venice press conference, Law said he did not fear repercussions and described the challenge of playing a leader known for revealing little in public.