The Apprentice’ Film Stirs Controversy and Examines Trump’s Rise

“The Apprentice,” an unofficial biopic film, has generated controversy due to its portrayal of former U.S. President Donald Trump‘s early years as a real estate mogul. Directed by Ali Abbasi, a filmmaker known for exploring darker themes, the movie navigates Trump’s evolution under the guidance of attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Despite Donald Trump’s attempts to ban its release, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, setting off a wave of legal threats from the former president’s team.

The movie delves into Trump’s formative years in New York during the 1970s and 1980s, a period marked by shifting identities and an evolving persona. Sebastian Stan, known for his roles in Marvel films, plays Trump, capturing certain mannerisms, though not always perfectly. Stan’s portrayal sometimes offers audiences a glimpse of vulnerability, as he plays a younger, less confident version of Trump.

Ali Abbasi, who is Iranian-Danish and brings an outsider’s perspective, has resisted labeling the film a traditional biopic. Instead, the film emerges as a dramatic narrative about power, transformation, and mentorship, centered around Trump’s complex relationship with Roy Cohn. Cohn, a notorious lawyer and political fixer from the “Red Scare” era, becomes a pivotal influence on Trump. Their relationship, filled with tension and admiration, serves as one of the film’s more insightful explorations.

Ivana Trump, played by Maria Bakalova, also features prominently in the film. Her marriage to Trump is depicted with dramatic ups and downs, touching on more personal aspects of his life. However, Bakalova’s role is limited as the film primarily focuses on Trump’s public and business personas rather than his personal life.

Abbasi’s “The Apprentice” does not shy away from controversial topics, including depicting Trump’s alleged past misdeeds. A scene in the film portrays an accusation by Ivana Trump, which she later modified, about an alleged rape incident in 1989. This scene, and the film’s broader depiction of Trump, has triggered threats of legal action, with his team claiming misrepresentation and potential election interference.

Amidst all the controversy, Abbasi remains firm in his portrayal, suggesting his film poses larger questions about power, truth, and identity. “The Apprentice” challenges viewers to look beyond partisan lenses, examining how personal ambition and media constructs can blur the lines between persona and reality. The story also incorporates Trump’s navigation of a changing New York landscape, reinforcing its historical context with cinematic style reflective of the era.

Despite its rocky production path, including financial setbacks, “The Apprentice” is now showing in theaters. Abbasi continues to promote the film’s message, highlighting the adaptability and complexities of political figures and systems. The film’s release and subsequent discussions contribute to ongoing dialogues surrounding Trump’s legacy and his potential political rebid.