‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ Interview: Paul Dano

in Movie

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Paul Dano stars in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’.

Opening in theaters on May 15th is the new film ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’, which was directed by Olivier Assayas (‘Bergman Island‘) and is based on the novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli.

The film stars Paul Dano (‘There Will Be Blood’), Alicia Vikander (‘Tomb Raider’), Tom Sturridge (‘The Sandman’), Jeffrey Wright (‘The Batman’), and Jude Law (‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’) as Vladimir Putin.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with acclaimed actor Paul Dano about his work on ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’, playing a fictional character based on a real person, his research, working with Jude Law and watching him become Vladimir Putin, and collaborating with director Olivier Assayas on set.

Paul Dano in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’. Photo: Gaumont.

Moviefone: To begin with, you’ve played characters based on real life people before, but here you are playing a fictional character loosely based on a real person. Was your approach different and did you feel like you had more freedom in your performance this time around?

Paul Dano: So, yes, I’ve done other films where I’m playing somebody where I do think there’s more of a responsibility, like Brian Wilson, for example, in ‘Love and Mercy’. My job is to try to capture the essence and spirit of that person as best as possible. The person in this film who my character is based on, it’s not like Jude’s job, what Jude had to do. It is partially based on a real person, but Vadim Baranov, even in the book and the screenplay, his backstory is different than the real person. So, I’m a bit free of that. I take what I can from the real people, but also, I am able to interpret artistically through the character that’s in the script, and through the research that I do and trying to just bring it all together and serve the peace with the character.

Paul Dano in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’. Photo: Gaumont.

MF: What kind of research did you do, and how did that help inform your performance?

PD: So much, which I really loved and was surprised by. I didn’t know much about this world. I think it’s one of the pleasures of the film, is getting that look behind the curtain. I think it’s my job, especially with this character who, I would say, is quite intelligent. So, it’s my job to know what he’s saying, right? It sounds so basic. But to become an authority on him, his world, and his culture. Frankly, I want to be across from my scene partners, Jude Law, Jeffrey Wright, and Alicia Vikander, and I want to be able to not act if anything. So, it’s important to fill your tank as much as you need to get to that point of delusion and belief.

(L to R) Jude Law and Paul Dano in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’. Photo: Gaumont.

MF: What was it like acting opposite Jude Law and what did you learn from watching the way he works?

PD: So, we talked in advanced a little bit. I could tell that he was really doing his homework, and so was I, and that was a good feeling. I do think even though it’s fictional, there’s just an integrity you must bring when you’re dealing with something that also involves nonfiction in a way or based on a real life. Jude was an incredible scene partner and a great collaborator, and he had a massive challenge to meet, and he did. So, I remember a few days before shooting seeing him in costume and makeup and that was an exciting feeling. I think he did great work.

Jude Law in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’. Photo: Gaumont.

MF: Was it surreal to see him become Vladimir Putin in front of you?

PD: I wonder if uncanny is the right word, meaning it’s hard to put it in context of reality. It was scary and strange, and in this instance, also weirdly exciting because this is the film we’re making. So, there are times when it’s a very strange job we have.

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ director Olivier Assayas.

MF: Finally, what was your experience like collaborating with director Olivier Assayas on set?

PD: Olivier is such a kind and intelligent man. He’s a great filmmaker and he’s made films that I love. I was very happy to be with him. He’s also got a crew that’s worked with him for a long time, so there’s a wonderful sense of community and artistry. People love working with him, you know, actors and crew. So, it’s a good set to be on, and I was very lucky that he gave me such a big meal to work with.

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ opens in theaters on May 15th.

What is the plot of ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’?

Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) morphs from a young artist in 1990s Russia into an influential government official and spin doctor at the heart of the government.