New Donald Trump Biopic 'The Apprentice' Premieres at Cannes Amid Legal Threats
The new film 'The Apprentice,' depicting the early years of Donald Trump, premiered to a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival but was met with fierce opposition from the former president and his campaign team. Directed by Danish-Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the biopic centers on Trump’s rise in the real estate industry during the 1970s and 1980s, painting a controversial picture of him as a ruthless and morally questionable figure.
Trump's campaign spokesperson described the film as 'malicious slander' and announced intentions to take legal action against the filmmakers. 'This 'film' is pure fiction and does not deserve a place in a video store,' said the spokesperson. Abbasi, however, remains unfazed by the legal threats and encourages Trump and his team to watch the film before criticizing it. Abbasi stands by his work, emphasizing that the movie is a critique of a system, not just an individual.
Controversial Scenes and Powerful Performances
Starring Sebastian Stan as young Trump and 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong as his mentor Roy Cohn, the film delves into the themes of power and ambition in a corrupt world. The portrayal includes various unflattering and dramatic scenes, such as Trump dealing with erection problems and undergoing cosmetic surgeries to hide his hair loss. One particularly controversial moment reenacts accusations of Trump raping his first wife Ivana, which she initially confirmed under oath before retracting later. This blend of sensationalized and factual elements adds to the film's contentious reception.
Despite the controversy, 'The Apprentice' is one of the 22 films in contention for the prestigious Palme d’Or. It received an eight-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere, as reported by The Washington Post. The film includes a warning that some parts are slightly fictionalized, ensuring viewers are aware of its mix of fact and fiction.
Amid the film's premiere, Trump is also facing real-life legal battles, including the first criminal trial against a former US president. He is charged with covering up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election and maintains his innocence regarding the allegations.
- The new Donald Trump biopic, 'The Apprentice,' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a standing ovation but sparked immediate threats of legal action from the former US president's camp. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film portrays Trump's early years in a controversial light, depicting him as a ruthless and morally ambiguous real estate mogul.
- 'The Apprentice' stars Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, and explores the themes of power and corruption in the world of real estate. The portrayal includes moments of personal struggle and controversy, such as allegations of marital rape and cosmetic surgeries, adding layers to the complicated figure of Donald Trump.
- The film is competing for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and has already garnered significant attention. However, it has also attracted criticism from Trump's campaign, which considers the film's claims to be false and malicious.
