Summary
Ali Abbasi’s film The Apprentice, a biopic about Donald Trump’s early career, is set to release on October 11, 2024, just weeks before the presidential election. The film has generated significant controversy, particularly due to its graphic depiction of Trump’s personal life and his relationship with his first wife, Ivana Trump.
The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, portrays Trump’s rise in the New York real estate market during the 1970s and 1980s under the mentorship of lawyer Roy Cohn. It includes contentious scenes, such as one depicting a sexual assault, which has drawn ire from Trump’s campaign, labeling the film as “malicious defamation.” Despite the backlash, Abbasi maintains that the film aims to present Trump as a complex human figure rather than a caricature, highlighting the transformative influences in his life. The film’s release has been complicated by legal threats from Trump’s camp and the reluctance of major distributors to engage with the project, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Briarcliff Entertainment after a protracted search for distribution.
Controversy and Legal Threats
The Apprentice has faced intense scrutiny and legal threats from Trump’s campaign, which has described it as a “political hatchet job.” The film’s portrayal of Trump includes a scene based on Ivana Trump’s allegations of rape, which she later clarified did not intend to imply criminality. This contentious depiction has fueled accusations of sensationalism and prompted attempts to block the film’s release.
Reception and Expectations
Despite the controversy, The Apprentice has been shown to audiences, receiving mixed reactions. While it sparked an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes, critics have noted its brutal portrayal of Trump, suggesting that it may not significantly alter public perception of him. As the film opens in theaters, it faces competition from other major releases and is projected to earn modest box office returns.
Themes and Characterization
The film seeks to explore the formative experiences that shaped Trump, presenting him as a flawed individual driven by familial expectations and personal ambitions. Screenwriter Gabriel Sherman emphasizes that many of the film’s shocking moments are grounded in documented events, suggesting a blend of dramatization and factual basis. Ultimately, the film raises questions about the nature of political storytelling and the impact of personal history on public personas.
The Apprentice: will biopic change how voters see Donald Trump?
Oct. 15 / The Week / The Week offers a balanced overview of *The Apprentice*, highlighting its brutal portrayal of Trump while also noting a surprisingly sympathetic angle. It effectively captures the film's reception and controversies. “ A new film dramatising Donald Trump's rise to fame and fortune has provoked everything from an eight-minute standing ovation in Cannes to threats of legal...
Did a Trump-Supporting Financier Try to Catch and Kill ‘The Apprentice’?
Oct. 10 / Indiewire / Indiewire dives into the production challenges faced by *The Apprentice*, providing an insider’s perspective on the film's journey. It captures the tension between artistic intent and commercial viability in Hollywood. “ Gabriel Sherman has been at the forefront of reporting on the rise of the right-wing media. His coverage of the Murdoch family infighting makes “Succession”...
Oct. 14 / The Sun / The Sun leans heavily into sensationalism, focusing on Trump’s fiery response to the film. While it provides insight into his defense of Ivana and the alleged incidents, it lacks depth and nuance compared to other sources. “ DONALD Trump has lashed out at the creators behind The Apprentice biopic branding the movie a “political hatchet job” - just weeks before Election Day. The...
Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' hits theaters amid fury from his campaign
Oct. 11 / Nbc News / NBC News presents a comprehensive analysis of the film's impact amid the election cycle. It balances quotes from the Trump campaign with insights from the director, making it a thorough resource for understanding the controversy. “ 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...
Oct. 9 / Indiewire / Indiewire's second piece showcases director Ali Abbasi's excitement about audience reception and his approach to storytelling. It offers an engaging look at the film's thematic intentions and creative choices. “ After a whirlwind fever dream of anticipation, Ali Abbasi ‘s new film “The Apprentice” will finally hit theaters October 11. The Donald Trump biopic, which...