Alicia Vikander and Jude Law Reunite at Venice Film Festival for Controversial Premiere
RED CARPET RUMBLE: JUDE LAW AND ALICIA VIKANDER TEASE NEW ESPIONAGE THRILLER AT VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
The glamour and intrigue of the Venice Film Festival reached new heights on Sunday afternoon as the 82nd edition of the prestigious event hosted the world premiere of the highly anticipated espionage thriller, "Wizard Of The Kremlin". And what a dramatic entrance it was! British heartthrob Jude Law took his place alongside Swedish supermodel-turned-actress Alicia Vikander to promote their new film, with the latter stealing the spotlight in a jaw-dropping blue evening gown.
Vikander, 36, who plays the enigmatic Ksenia opposite Law's charismatic Russian President Vladimir Putin, walked the red carpet like she owned it - and everyone in attendance seemed to agree. The stunning actress posed alongside her co-star, who looked dashing in a white tuxedo and black dress trousers, but let's be real, Vikander was the true star of the show.
The chemistry between Law, 52, and his on-screen partner was palpable as they chatted with reporters and posed for photos. But what really caught our attention was their body language - it seemed like there was a subtle undercurrent of tension between them, as if they were hiding secrets that only came to light during the long hours of filming.
Law's wife, psychologist Phillipa Coan, looked stunning in a figure-hugging silvery gown, showcasing her toned physique. The couple has been married since 2019 and have two adorable kids together - but we couldn't help wondering if their relationship was as smooth sailing as it seemed.
Meanwhile, co-star Tom Sturridge put on a loved-up display with his fiancée Alexa Chung, who wowed in a flirty bright pink dress with intricate lace detailing. The "It girl" beamed with joy as she skipped down the red carpet in towering block heels and snuggled up to her actor beau.
But the real question on everyone's mind was: how did Law prepare for his role as Putin? Did he undergo extensive research, or rely on his natural charm to bring the character to life? In a candid interview with our correspondent, Law revealed that he didn't enter this project naively - and certainly didn't fear repercussions for his portrayal of the infamous leader.
"I felt safe in the hands of Olivier," Law said, referring to director Olivier Assayas. "This is a story that was going to be told intelligently with nuance and consideration. We weren't looking for controversy for controversy's sake."
Law wore prosthetics for his transformation into Putin, but what really impressed us was his dedication to bringing depth to the character. "Putin is a character in a much larger story," he explained. "We weren't trying to define anything about anyone - we just wanted to tell a compelling tale that would keep audiences on the edge of their seats."
And what a tale it is! Based on Giuliano da Empoli's bestselling novel, the film follows the rise of Putin and his fictional adviser Vadim Baranov (played by Paul Dano) in the early 1990s. As the story unfolds, we're transported to post-Soviet chaos and the intrigue-filled world that Putin helped create.
Dano, who stars as the private banker Dmitri Sidorov - a character based on Mikhail Khodorkovsky - revealed that his character was inspired by real-life political strategist Vladislav Sourkov. "The wizard is the person who is in the background, so there's a casting of a spell that is happening," Dano said, hinting at the complex web of power and manipulation that underlies Putin's rule.
Assayas, known for films like Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper, made his English-language debut with "Wizard Of The Kremlin", co-starring Vikander as Vadim's on-again-off-again girlfriend. According to Assayas, the film is not just about politics - it's about how modern power dynamics were born.
"It's still relevant today, three years later, under different circumstances," da Empoli said of his book, which was written before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "The story may be set in a bygone era, but its themes and messages are just as pertinent now."
With the world holding its breath over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, "Wizard Of The Kremlin" is sure to spark heated conversations about power, corruption, and the true cost of ambition.
As our correspondent observed, the film's premiere was attended by a A-list crowd that included Law, Vikander, Dano, Assayas, and Sturridge - all of whom seemed eager to dive into the complex world of espionage and intrigue created by da Empoli's novel.
But what really caught our attention was the buzz surrounding the film's production. According to insiders, filming took place in Latvia due to logistical constraints - but we couldn't help wondering if there were other factors at play.
As the Venice Film Festival reaches its halfway point, "Wizard Of The Kremlin" is sure to be one of the most talked-about films of the season. Will it spark a heated debate about Putin's legacy? Or will it simply entertain audiences with its intricate plot twists and charismatic performances?
One thing's for certain: this film is not just a thrilling ride - it's also a thought-provoking exploration of power, politics, and the human condition.
And as we left the red carpet behind, one question lingered in our minds: what secrets will "Wizard Of The Kremlin" reveal about the world of espionage, corruption, and ambition?
