Overview

• The world premiere at the Venice Film Festival prompted a standing ovation reported at roughly 10 to 12 minutes.
• Initial reviews are mixed, with strong praise for Jude Law’s turn as Vladimir Putin and Paul Dano’s central performance, alongside critiques of pacing and scope.
• Jude Law said he did not fear reprisals for the role and emphasized he avoided a strict impersonation, using his natural voice rather than a heavy accent.
• Directed by Olivier Assayas and adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestseller, the film centers on Dano’s spin doctor Vadim Baranov, a fictional figure inspired by strategist Vladislav Surkov.
• The title is in Venice’s main competition with awards set for Sept. 6, and a North American release date has not been announced.