If you’re interested in politics or history don’t miss The Wizard of the Kremlin movie.
Movie The Wizard of the Kremlin
Boris Berezovsky (Will Keen) is living life large, with a finger in almost every important pie going around, nothing can stop him. His power and influence are only outstripped by his ego.
At the same time a young Russian film maker Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) is gaining immense popularity though his reality television work. however he soon desires more saying he yearns to be “part of my time not just a witness”.
Berezovsky becomes aware of Baranov and soon suggests he should “stop making up stories, start creating reality. With me.” The two men combine their skills for maximum impact and landing on the idea of a new brand of politician.
Enter a serious, keen Federal Security Service chief. While he is less interested in being president he is interested in power, and so the stage is set for the launch of brand President Putin (Jude Law). The campaign creates the myth that Russia is controlling everything.
As the campaign unfolds Baranov gains even more power and influence over Putin, becoming the Wizard of the Kremlin, to the detriment of Berezovsky who soon finds himself sidelined in a way only the Russians can.
But the would-be president has his own ideas declaring, “our Campaign is the News, what we do, the history we are making. Nobody believes in Advertising anymore. Facts are the only Advertising which is interesting.”
As the credits rolled, I pondered:
- The movie is a fascinating behind the scenes look at politics and the use of marketing/branding there in;
- The machinations are even more frightening given the current state of the world;
- Ultimately, as you would expect the movie is about power and ego;
- The use of archival footage in some spots helps keep you intrigued;
- Heavy on dialogue this is not a movie to chillout to, it demands you pay attention;
- Jude Law is fine as Putin but it’s very hard to look past the fact it’s Jude Law;
- The final scene makes up for the slow road to get there.
For more information go to Luna Cinemas. Starts July 23.
