Jude Law's Putin Film Echoes Kremlin Myths, Not Reality

A new film portrays Russian President Vladimir Putin as a cool, reluctant leader—a master strategist and former spy who took power because he was young and athletic. This is the image presented in *The Wizard of the Kremlin*, starring Jude Law. At the film's premiere last year, Law said he did not fear repercussions for his portrayal. He may be correct, but not for the reason he believes. The film's version of Putin aligns closely with the mythologized story promoted by Russian state media. Domestically, the portrayal may seem like a compliment, not a criticism. For years, the Kremlin and Russian pop culture have worked together to create this tailored image. It shows Putin as an ageless political superhero, a perfect strategist who makes no mistakes. This reframes his past as a spy into a "Russian James Bond"—a figure who always knows more than he says. This cinematic character is far removed from the real man, critics argue. The film appears to have adopted the Kremlin's own myths.