Paul Dano’s portrayal is remarkable. He delivers an interpretation of such nuance and precision that, at times, we almost feel sympathy for a character capable of horrifying actions. This was one of Assayas’ main concerns, to ensure that Putin’s character could evoke some level of empathy, and Dano’s performance expertly conveys every subtlety, contributing to the film’s impact. The quiet strength of his presence, the intelligence of his insights, and his ability to “build” certain particular moments make us sadly reflect on the very nature of power.
How a leader is born. The protagonist of the film is the fictional character Vadim Baranov, an artist and producer entrusted with organizing the election campaign of the then-unknown Vladimir Putin, a young and ambitious face of post-Soviet Russia, now a his...
