Overview

• The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and is competing for the Golden Lion, with winners due Sept. 6.
• At a Venice press conference, Jude Law said he did not fear repercussions for portraying Vladimir Putin and avoided a strict impersonation.
• Director Olivier Assayas described the work as a reflection on how contemporary politics operates behind smoke screens and authoritarian tactics.
• Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestseller, the drama centers on spin doctor Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano and inspired by strategist Vladislav Surkov, with Alicia Vikander and Jeffrey Wright among the cast.
• Production was staged in Latvia because filming in Russia was not possible, and no general release date has been announced as the film’s relevance to the war in Ukraine draws attention.