Biopic on Donald Trump’s Rise to Power, "The Apprentice," Set for October Release Amid Controversy
A film exploring the early life and career of Donald Trump, focusing on his mentorship by controversial lawyer Roy Cohn, is set to hit theaters in the heat of the current presidential election season. Titled "The Apprentice," the movie starring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn has already generated significant controversy, with the Trump campaign labeling it "pure malicious defamation." The film is scheduled to be released on October 11th by Briarcliff Entertainment, known for distributing other politically-charged projects.
Key Takeaways
- Controversial Release: "The Apprentice" is set for release in October, coinciding with the final stretch of the presidential election, potentially fueling political discourse.
- Trump Campaign Accusations: The Trump campaign has vehemently criticized the film, calling it "pure malicious defamation" and vowing to file a lawsuit against the filmmakers.
- Alleged Sexual Assault Scene: The film features a dramatized scene of an alleged sexual assault incident involving Trump and his first wife, Ivana. While the incident has been previously reported, its inclusion in the film has heightened criticism.
- Independent Release: Briarcliff Entertainment, a company known for distributing controversial films like "The Dissident" and "Fahrenheit 11/9," has secured the rights to release the biopic.
A Look at the Film and its Controversies
"The Apprentice," directed by Iranian Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, dives into Trump’s formative years in New York City real estate and his relationship with Roy Cohn, a prominent lawyer known for his aggressive tactics and ties to organized crime. The film, written by Gabriel Sherman, a Vanity Fair journalist known for his extensive coverage of Trump and his allies, seeks to reveal the origins of Trump’s political and business strategies through the lens of his mentorship by Cohn.
The movie premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and immediately sparked debate due to its sensitive subject matter and the timing of its release. Controversy surrounds the film’s depiction of Trump, including a dramatized scene that allegedly portrays a sexual assault by Trump against his first wife, Ivana. This scene, based on Ivana Trump’s 1990 divorce deposition where she alleged Trump raped her, has been met with strong criticism. While Ivana Trump later clarified she did not mean the term literally but felt violated by her ex-husband, the portrayal of the incident in the film has fueled accusations of sensationalism and fabrication.
Reactions from Both Sides
Adding further fuel to the fire, the Trump campaign has condemned the film with accusations of malice and defamation. In a statement issued by campaign spokesman Steven Cheung, the campaign labeled the film “garbage” and "pure fiction," claiming it "sensationalizes lies." While it’s unclear whether a lawsuit against the filmmakers has been filed, the campaign has reiterated its condemnation of the film.
The film’s director, Ali Abbasi, has defended his work, suggesting that Trump might even be surprised by the film’s portrayal. He even offered to meet with the former president to discuss the film’s context and have a screening followed by a discussion.
"The Apprentice" in the Broader Context
The release of "The Apprentice" comes at a crucial time in American politics. With the presidential election looming, the film is likely to be scrutinized and analyzed for its portrayal of Trump and its potential impact on the political landscape.
The film’s distributor, Briarcliff Entertainment, has established itself as a platform for distributing politically-charged documentaries and films, fostering dialogue and critiques on current events. Their experience with projects like "The Dissident," a documentary about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and "Fahrenheit 11/9," a documentary by Michael Moore on the 2016 election and Trump’s presidency, showcases their commitment to tackling controversial subjects.
The Impact of "The Apprentice"
The film’s release is expected to generate a significant amount of buzz, particularly during the election season. Whether it lives up to the hype and achieves its goal of revealing new insights into Trump’s character and motivations remains to be seen.
However, the fact that "The Apprentice" has already ignited controversy and sparked heated debates underscores its potential impact on the ongoing political landscape. Ultimately, the film’s legacy will be determined by how it navigates the complex and controversial story of Donald Trump and its ability to offer fresh perspectives on his political rise.
