The Wizard of the Kremlin: A Disappointing Docudrama
The film, directed by Olivier Assayas, is a quasi-docudrama that attempts to capture the rise of Vladimir Putin and the political machinations surrounding him. While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls flat, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment.
The story centers around Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a former close advisor to Putin, who has fallen out of favor. An American journalist (Jeffrey Wright) is granted an audience with Baranov, providing an opportunity to delve into the inner workings of Putin's regime.
On the surface, the film has a lot going for it. The performances are strong, with Paul Dano delivering a compelling portrayal of Baranov, a sociopathic figure who seems to take pleasure in the chaos unfolding in Russia. Jude Law, as Putin, is also excellent, capturing the leader's power-hungry nature and his thin skin when it comes to perceived disrespect.
However, the film's structure is its downfall. The narrative jumps around in time, from the mid-1990s to 2019, making it challenging to follow the story's progression. The episodic format, with chapters seemingly assigned arbitrarily, further adds to the confusion. This approach, which might have worked for a miniseries, feels rushed and disjointed in a feature-length film.
The film's pacing is another issue. At 157 minutes, it feels tedious due to the rushed and episodic nature of the storytelling. Important events, such as the sinking of the Kursk, the Sochi Olympics, and the Orange Revolution, are glossed over, leaving viewers wanting more depth and context.
In my opinion, The Wizard of the Kremlin could have been a powerful and thought-provoking documentary or a limited series. The story of Putin's rise to power and the political theater surrounding him is fascinating and complex. However, as a feature-length film, it falls short, leaving audiences with a sense of incompleteness.
What makes this particularly interesting is the contrast between the film's ambitious premise and its disappointing execution. The performances are strong, but the narrative structure and pacing let the film down, making it a missed opportunity for a compelling political drama.
In conclusion, The Wizard of the Kremlin is a film that struggles to live up to its potential. While it has intriguing elements, the rushed and episodic format, along with the disjointed narrative, make it a tedious watch. It is a reminder that a strong premise alone is not enough; the execution must match the ambition to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.
