The Apprentice: Trump's Early Days on Film Spark Controversy
Director Ali Abbasi has premiered his latest film, "The Apprentice," at the Cannes Film Festival, drawing widespread attention and criticism, particularly from Donald Trump's camp. The biopic chronicles the early years of the former President's real estate career in New York during the 1980s and delves into his relationships, notably with his former wife Ivana Trump and the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn.
Starring Sebastian Stan as young Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, the film portrays Trump's ascent in the business world, heavily influenced by Cohn's mentorship. Abbasi, known for his previous works "Border" and "Holy Spider," uses "The Apprentice" not just to tell Trump's story, but to critique the systemic corruption and deceit in American high society.
The film unfolds events such as Trump's alleged rape of Ivana, an incident she later described in less literal terms, and his controversial dealings in the real estate market. Despite its provocative content, Abbasi asserts that "The Apprentice" goes beyond Trump, aiming to expose how figures like Cohn manipulated the system and, in turn, taught Trump to do the same.
Trump's campaign has vehemently opposed the film, with spokesperson Steven Cheung labeling it 'pure fiction.' Cheung's statement underscores the campaign’s intention to sue over what they claim are false and defamatory portrayals.
The filmmakers, however, appear unphased by the legal threats. Abbasi has even suggested screening the film for Trump personally to discuss its context. The director mentioned September 15 as a potential release date to coincide with the US presidential election cycle, aiming to heighten the film’s impact.
Controversy also brews surrounding Dan Snyder, a Trump ally and former Washington Commanders owner, who partially financed the movie expecting a favorable portrayal. Snyder’s reaction upon seeing the film led to attempts to halt its release, though he holds no sway over its final distribution.
While Trump's hush money trial unfolds in New York, drawing media attention for its own sensational content, "The Apprentice" adds another layer to Trump’s public scrutiny. Abbasi insists that the film, though centered on Trump's life, ultimately serves as a critique of the broader system of power, corruption, and deceit.
- The audience at Cannes responded to the film with a standing ovation, but it remains to be seen how American viewers will react once a US distributor picks it up. The film offers a complex interpretation of Trump’s character, neither fully vilifying nor exonerating him, but rather showing a man shaped by a morally dubious mentor and a cutthroat business environment.
- Furthermore, Trump’s portrayal as undergoing liposuction and other personal excesses seeks to depict a side of him not often seen publicly, aiming to humanize and scrutinize his quest for power and perfection.
- Abbasi's previous participation in major film festivals and bold choice in content continues to push cinematic boundaries, making "The Apprentice" a significant contemporary cultural work worth discussing beyond its depiction of Donald Trump.
- With the US presidential election approaching, the film’s timing could not be more pertinent, potentially influencing public opinion and the electoral landscape. As the discourse around "The Apprentice" grows, its true impact remains to be assessed once it officially hits the theaters.
