The actor Slawomir Sobala stars as "the most despised person in the world" in a new movie, though he likely won't receive any accolades for his intense and timely performance, given the personal hazards involved in its production. His film, titled *Putin*, premieres on January 10 and will be shown in 64 countries, including about 200 theaters in the U. S. This chilling biopic about the Russian leader's ascent to power comes with the subtitle "Absolute power is not enough. " Some foreign policy experts predict a potential Vladimir Putin–Donald Trump summit could align with the movie’s release, although director Patryck Vega, a Polish filmmaker, doubts the prospects, given both leaders' complex egos and previous nuclear threats. Having dedicated years to studying Putin’s rise, Vega filmed the $14 million movie in locations across Poland, Russia, Ukraine (including Chernobyl), and Israel, often facing dangerous conditions. The film's dialogue is largely in English, with plenty of subtitles. Sobala, a Polish actor portraying Putin, is enhanced through AI and digital effects to resemble the Russian leader even more closely. Flashbacks depict a young Putin retaliating against abuse from classmates, showing traits reminiscent of the adult figure. This marks Vega’s first international film. A former journalist, he has created several documentaries and thrillers. Financial backing for the project came from private sources, which he can't disclose due to potential threats from Russian parties. Horizon Events acquired the U. S. distribution rights. Vega had hoped to showcase the film at festivals, but time constraints prevented it.

Still, he believes the film will attract an international audience eager to understand the enigmatic Russian oligarch and delve into his psyche. Despite the war's destructive cost in Ukraine, Putin's control within Russia remains strong, Vega notes. As reported by the New York Times, many Russians increasingly accept the potential use of nuclear weapons. Vega, who resides in Paris and Switzerland, aims to reveal Putin's mind. He points out Americans' fear of the unknown as well. The movie illustrates young Putin's crafty control over Russian bureaucracies. In one memorable scene, he destabilizes the Soviet system by smuggling rare toilet paper into Moscow. The potential relationship between Putin and Trump is complex. Trump, aware of Putin's immense wealth, may feel overshadowed, notably as both leaders abstain from alcohol and have unusual sleep habits. Sobala’s role as Putin, enhanced by AI, raises questions for the next awards season. The inclusion of AI in acting is still a debated issue, even among industry guilds and the Academy. Is AI a threat to the acting profession?