In the captivating film, "The Wizard of the Kremlin," director Olivier Assayas delves into the rise of an oligarchical Russia, a narrative that eerily mirrors the American political landscape. The film's 130-minute runtime is divided into mini-chapters, each exploring the fictionalized history of a country in flux.
The story centers around the Roy Cohn-like figure, Vladislav Surkov, portrayed as Vadim Baranov in the film. Baranov, a former TV producer, is recruited into the inner circle of Russian politics and is tasked with a unique mission: to "start inventing reality." This reality is crafted around Vladimir Putin, a malleable strongman plucked from the KGB.
The Hypernormalization of Power
What makes this film particularly fascinating is its exploration of hypernormalization, a concept that describes the acceptance of delusion on a grand scale. In the context of both Russia and the United States, this phenomenon is a result of social and political upheaval, where propaganda and misinformation become so pervasive that alternative truths seem implausible. As Professor Alexei Yurchak explained, the residents of the USSR and Russia succumbed to this delusion, pretending that everything was functioning normally.
The Rise of Disinformation
In my opinion, one of the most intriguing aspects of the film is its depiction of the rise of disinformation and the manipulation of worldviews. Baranov, with his background in theater, PR, and TV, becomes the grand vizier, crafting the idea of "sovereign democracy," an oxymoron that reflects the distorted reality of Putin's Russia. This approach is not unique to Russia; it mirrors the tactics employed by political technologists in the West, notably in the rise of Donald Trump.
The documentary "HyperNormalisation" by Adam Curtis highlights how Trump's image of success was crafted despite his financial and legal failures. This strategy of overwhelming the public with lies and misinformation is a coordinated attack on the very foundations of truth. Baranov's funding of conflicting groups, from leftists to conspiracy theorists, creates a web of mistrust, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between genuine opposition and paid actors. This intentional confusion is a powerful tool for controlling the narrative and maintaining power.
The Theatricality of Chaos
One detail that I find especially interesting is the film's use of exotic accents and toy-box caricatures to depict the Russian elite. This explicit theatricality is a reflection of the indecipherable chaos of real-life Russia. The softness of Paul Dano's portrayal and the sociopathic emptiness of Jude Law's Putin further emphasize this constructed chaos. While the film may not provide a serious historical account, it offers a bleak and thought-provoking look at the dangers of hyperreality and the manipulation of truth.
Conclusion
"The Wizard of the Kremlin" is a thought-provoking exploration of the rise of authoritarian figures and the erosion of truth. It raises important questions about the role of media, the power of propaganda, and the vulnerability of societies to manipulation. In today's world, where disinformation is a constant threat, this film serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking and the need to question the narratives we are fed.
