PREVIEW

The Wizard of the Kremlin, a political thriller starring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin, earned an enthusiastic 10-minute standing ovation at this year's Venice Film Festival. Paul Dano costars as his former right-hand man and spin-doctor, Vadim Baranov. Law, sporting a white tux, beamed and clapped throughout the ovation, pausing to embrace director Olivier Assayas. The director worked the crowd, climbing over seats to hug various members of the film team and walking down the steps to show his appreciation for the cheers. Meanwhile, Alicia Vikander, who plays Baranov's romantic interest Ksenia, wiped away tears as the ovation continued.