The Putin Interviews

The Putin Interviews is a fascinating documentary series broadcast on SHOWTIME in 2017. It is an extensive exploration of the world's most powerful person, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, from a unique perspective — that of the internationally celebrated filmmaker, Oliver Stone. The documentary is a collection of a series of interviews conducted by Stone himself, over a span of two years. With this one-on-one discussion format, the series delivers a closer and more personal understanding of the Russian leader who has remained an enigmatic figure in the international arena for quite some time. The project goes beyond the headlines, bypassing the superficial media narrative that tends to dominate the West's portrayal of Putin. For the very first time, television viewers are given an unparalleled inside view into the thinking process and point of view of a leader who has indelibly influenced the geopolitical landscape with his country's involvement in various global affairs. His unchecked reign, strategic policies, rise to power, perceptions on U.S.-Russian relations, and his views on the world's tumultuous hot spots — are all revealed in the expansive discussions presented in this series. Oliver Stone, known for his critical and probing approach, brings forward a wealth of detail and keen questioning to the task. Putin, in a rare feat, is not only subjected to scrutiny through standard topical issues but also probed on a range of subjects such as privacy, surveillance, domestic and international policies, arms control, and even his family. This expansive, theoretical range offers a broad and deep understanding of Putin's perspectives, motivations, and actions. The approach of the series is characterized by an incredible level of candidness. These highly intense and intimate interviews are conducted in Putin's office, residence, car, and even in his private jet — hence offering quite an in-depth look into the influential leader's daily life and routines. These settings offer a more accessible and humanizing portrayal of a figure who is often seen as austere and aloof. The Putin Interviews is an informative project and is lauded for its daring, deliberate, and revealing nature. It doesn't shy away from confronting the controversies and paradoxes related to Putin. Yet, it also goes beyond the orthodox definitions and the mainstream media's characterization of Putin to shed light on the person behind the public persona. Reaction to the series was mixed. Critics recognized the importance of the unprecedented access to Putin and the inherent value in the candid responses that he provided. However, some believed that Stone was too docile in his approach, permitting Putin to craft a pleasing narrative without ever seriously challenging him. Others lauded Stone's methodology, attesting to the rare insights collected and arguing that a more confrontational approach would have led to less disclosure. The Putin Interviews is not merely of historical significance. In the quickly evolving new world order, the insights gained from the series provide a nuanced understanding of Russian leadership's mindset, which continues to impact global politics significantly. Ultimately, The Putin Interviews is an asset for students, commentators, and everyday citizens alike. It provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to understand Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the influence they've asserted on contemporary geopolitics, as well as Russia’s relations with the Western world. In summary, Oliver Stone's The Putin Interviews is an illuminating and gripping documentary. This exceptional series goes beyond the usual speculations to provide an in-depth understanding of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin – a critical figure in modern global political dynamics. With an intimate, continuous dialogue that spans across hours, the series attempts to uncover the man behind the intense international reputation and to provide insight into Russia's influence on world events.

The Putin Interviews is a series categorized as a currently airing. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 4 episodes, the show debuted on 2017. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 7.4.