Summary
“The Apprentice” is a controversial biopic about Donald Trump that premiered on October 11, 2024, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election. The film dramatizes Trump’s early years as a real estate mogul under the mentorship of Roy Cohn and includes sensitive scenes, including a depiction of an alleged assault on Ivana Trump, based on her divorce deposition. The release has sparked accusations of election interference from Trump’s campaign, which has attempted to block the film’s distribution.
The film, directed by Ali Abbasi and featuring Sebastian Stan as Trump, has been met with significant backlash from Trump’s supporters, who label it as “malicious defamation.” Despite this, Abbasi insists that the film aims to portray Trump as a complex human being rather than a one-dimensional caricature. The narrative explores Trump’s rise during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting his relationships, personal struggles, and the aggressive tactics he adopted from Cohn, which are reminiscent of his later political behavior. The film’s release comes amid heightened political tensions, and its timing has been perceived as a strategic move to influence voter sentiment ahead of the election.
Background and Development
“The Apprentice” faced significant challenges in securing distribution, with many major studios and streaming services declining to take on the project following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s contentious content, particularly the depiction of sexual assault, contributed to its troubled production history. Ultimately, Briarcliff Entertainment stepped in to distribute the film after a lengthy search for a backer willing to take the risk.
Themes and Reception
The film delves into themes of power, ambition, and moral compromise, drawing parallels between Trump’s early life and his later political persona. Critics have noted that while the film does not shy away from depicting troubling aspects of Trump’s character, it also attempts to humanize him, presenting a nuanced perspective that may challenge viewers’ preconceived notions. The reception has been mixed, with some praising its ambition and others criticizing it for potentially normalizing Trump’s behavior.
Political Implications
As the film is released during an election cycle, it has been framed by some as an attempt at political commentary on Trump’s legacy and the broader implications of his rise to power. The controversy surrounding the film has only intensified discussions about the intersection of media, politics, and public perception, with both supporters and detractors of Trump closely monitoring its impact on the electoral landscape.
Jeremy Strong: Opening ‘The Apprentice’ at the Height of Election Season Is ‘Chilling’
Oct. 13 / Indiewire / Jeremy Strong's reflections on the film's chilling premiere during election season add a personal touch. His insights into the character dynamics provide a unique perspective on the film's themes and implications. “ At this point in American history, every citizen of this country probably knows something about former President Donald Trump and probably something rather...
How a Rape Scene Blew Up the Trump Movie
Oct. 10 / Vulture / Chris Lee explores the backlash against the film, particularly regarding the rape scene, providing a nuanced look at the reactions from both critics and supporters. It captures the cultural impact of the film well. “ This article was featured in One Great Story , New York ’s reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly. Whether you regard the...
Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' hits theaters amid fury from his campaign
Oct. 11 / Nbc News / Daniel Arkin outlines the film's controversial release amid election tensions, effectively summarizing key plot points and reactions. It serves as a timely snapshot of the film's reception and its political ramifications. “ No movie on the fall calendar has stoked as much prerelease controversy as “The Apprentice,” an R-rated dramatization of the early years of Donald Trump that...
The Untold Story Behind the Release of ‘The Apprentice’
Oct. 9 / The Hollywood Reporter / Patrick Brzeski dives deep into the behind-the-scenes struggles of getting the film released, highlighting the challenges faced by the filmmakers. This perspective adds depth to the understanding of the film's journey. “ The timely and improbably nuanced Donald Trump origins movie, , almost didn’t make it to cinemas in time for the U.S. presidential election. For much of the...
Director of ‘The Apprentice’ film responds to receiving threats from Trump’s legal team - CNN
Oct. 12 / Google News / Director Ali Abbasi's response to threats from Trump's legal team emphasizes the film's controversial nature, showcasing the intense pressure surrounding its release. Insightful for understanding the film's context. “ Director of ‘The Apprentice’ film responds to receiving threats from Trump’s legal team CNNTrump has good reason to not want people watching ‘The Apprentice’...
Harris pivots to Jan. 6 in ‘desperate attempt’ in final days of election
Oct. 8 / Gazette / The Gazette focuses on Vice President Harris's campaign strategies, which, while relevant to the election atmosphere, detracts from the primary focus on "The Apprentice" and feels somewhat off-topic. “ Vice President Kamala Harris 's campaign is reviving Jan. 6-driven messaging in the final weeks of the presidential election . Team Harris initially ignored...
"The Apprentice": the film Trump doesn't want you to see
Oct. 8 / Axios / Sophia Cai's piece offers a detailed overview of the film's contentious themes, particularly the sensitive depiction of Ivana Trump. It effectively captures the political implications and reactions from Trump's camp. “ A new movie about young Donald Trump hits theaters Friday, despite Trump trying to block its release. It paints an unflattering portrait of his rise as a...