The Trump campaign has reacted strongly to the premiere of The Apprentice, a contentious film depicting the ex-US president’s early years as a real estate developer, threatening legal action against the production. The film, which stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, lambasted the film in a statement to Variety, declaring, “We will be filing a lawsuit to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers.” He described the film as “pure fiction” and “malicious defamation,” asserting that it was a tactic of “election interference by Hollywood elites.” Cheung’s statement also criticized the portrayal of Trump, suggesting the film “belongs in a dumpster fire” rather than in any legitimate distribution channel.
The legal threats extend beyond Trump’s campaign. Dan Snyder, the billionaire former owner of the Washington Commanders and an investor in the film, has also objected to its portrayal of Trump. Snyder, who has financially supported Trump in previous campaigns, reportedly invested in the film under the belief it would present a favorable image of the former president. After viewing the film in February, Snyder’s lawyers have been actively working to prevent its release.
The Apprentice features scenes that paint Trump in a highly negative light, including depictions of drug use, cosmetic surgery, and a highly controversial scene of alleged non-consensual sex with his first wife, Ivana Trump. These scenes have drawn significant criticism from Trump supporters and have amplified calls for legal action.
Despite the swirling controversy, the film’s director Ali Abbasi, who previously helmed Holy Spider, stood by his work. Abbasi stated in an interview that The Apprentice aims to provide a dramatic interpretation of Trump’s formative years in real estate, challenging the mythos surrounding his rise in the business world.
The screenplay, penned by journalist Gabriel Sherman, further aims to peel back the layers of Trump’s persona that have been scrutinized and debated for decades. Featuring Succession-star Jeremy Strong as lawyer Roy Cohn and Borat’s Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, the film boasts a star-studded cast committed to presenting a narrative that they claim reflects untold realities.
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The public reaction to the film has been polarized. Among Cannes attendees, some praised the film’s courage to confront contentious aspects of Trump’s past, while others condemned it as a politically motivated attack. The eight-minute standing ovation was, however, a testament to the film’s impact on its initial audience, regardless of the polarizing subject matter.
In addition to legal threats, Trump’s supporters have taken to social media to express their outrage. Hashtags like #BoycottTheApprentice and #DefendTrump have trended, with users accusing the filmmakers of bias and slander. Conversely, critics of Trump have lauded the film, arguing that it sheds light on truths that need to be acknowledged and discussed, especially in the context of his political influence.
As the film awaits wider release, the impending legal battles may determine its fate. Industry experts speculate that the lawsuits threatened by Trump’s campaign and Dan Snyder could either delay the release or force changes to the film’s more controversial scenes. However, supporters of The Apprentice argue that any attempt to suppress the film would be an infringement on artistic freedom and free speech.
Looking forward, the controversy surrounding The Apprentice is likely to fuel further debate about the boundaries of artistic expression, the portrayal of public figures, and the role of cinema in political discourse. The clash between Trump’s legal team and the filmmakers may not only impact this singular film but also set a precedent for future works that seek to scrutinize the lives of prominent individuals.
In the midst of this cinematic storm, The Apprentice stands as a focal point of contention, embodying the ongoing conflicts between media portrayal, public perception, and legal recourse. The unfolding narrative around the film is poised to make lasting impressions on the entertainment industry and broader cultural conversations.
As Cannes Film Festival attendees continue to buzz about the controversial premiere, it remains clear that The Apprentice has ignited a firestorm of debate that extends far beyond the glamour of the red carpet. Whether it will surmount the legal challenges ahead or become another symbol of polarized political landscapes, only time will tell.
