Yet for all its quirks, Mr Tuschi's film conveys the venal brutality that underpins Mr Putin's rule.

ECONOMIST: The challenge of capturing a murky country on film

Beyond merely criticising Mr Putin's rule, he openly financed at least two important opposition parties and wielded heavy influence in the Russian parliament, the Duma.

ECONOMIST: Russia

And, although Mr Putin as prime minister was still the real boss, Mr Medvedev pleased liberals by speaking out on the need to rein in corruption (even in Mr Putin's circle), strengthen the rule of law and modernise the economy.

ECONOMIST: The return of Vladimir Putin