The cinematic world was abuzz today as the first footage from the highly-anticipated biopic, The Apprentice, made its debut. Directed by the acclaimed Ali Abbasi, the movie explores the formative years of Donald Trump, a figure that continues to polarize America and the world. Slated for a theatrical release on October 11th, The Apprentice features Sebastian Stan as a young Trump and Jeremy Strong as the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn. Adding another layer of intrigue and drama, Maria Bakalova plays Ivana Trump, Trump’s first wife.
The newly released clip offers a tantalizing glimpse of Stan’s portrayal of Trump, capturing the charismatic yet controversial figure in the midst of a telephonic interview. “I’m going to buy the Commodore Hotel and transform it into the finest building in the world,” declares Trump, with his trademark bravado intact. This peek into Trump’s ambitious early ventures sets the stage for what promises to be a gripping narrative about ambition, power, and moral ambiguity.
Following rave reviews and standing ovations at both the Cannes and Telluride film festivals, The Apprentice has already cemented its place as a must-see film this year. Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial subject matter, the film has quickly become a talking point. One particularly shocking scene portrays an assault involving Trump and Ivana, raising eyebrows and generating heated discussions among critics and audiences alike.
Initially, the film struggled to find a distributor due to its provocative content. However, Briarcliff Entertainment eventually took on the project, enabling its widespread release. The journey of The Apprentice from conception to screen has been anything but straightforward. According to insiders, the film’s unsettling depictions and raw storytelling posed challenges in securing a distributor willing to showcase this complex narrative.
Written by Gabe Sherman, The Apprentice delves deep into the life of young Trump during the 1970s, painting a vivid picture of his relationship with Roy Cohn, a legal heavyweight known for his controversial tactics and high-profile cases. The film offers a nuanced exploration of Trump’s early influences, particularly focusing on his ties with Cohn. Cohn, who played crucial roles in notable cases, becomes a pivotal figure in shaping Trump’s business strategies and personal philosophy.
In addition to Stan and Strong, the cast includes Martin Donovan as Fred Trump Sr., Donald Trump’s father. Fred Trump Sr. is depicted as another significant influence in shaping the ambitions and business acumen of the future President.
. Through these relationships, the film provides a layered understanding of Trump’s formative years, set against the backdrop of New York’s bustling and unforgiving real estate market.
The Trump campaign has been quick to denounce the movie, labelling it as “pure fiction.” They have gone a step further by threatening legal action against the filmmakers. This pushback from the Trump camp underscores the divisive nature of the film and the magnetic pull Trump continues to exert on public discourse.
The release of The Apprentice is not just a cinematic event; it is a cultural moment. It prompts reflection on the American Dream and its often harsh realities. The film’s portrayal of Trump’s relentless quest for power and recognition invites viewers to consider the ethical labyrinth navigated by those who aspire to great heights. Moreover, it challenges audiences to differentiate between the man and the myth, between ambition and ruthlessness.
The movie’s premiere on May 20th at the Cannes Film Festival added yet another layer to its already complex narrative. It wasn’t just a film; it was a statement. Cannes, known for its love of bold and boundary-pushing cinema, became the perfect stage for the unveiling of such a polarizing piece of work. The festival’s audiences, known for their discerning tastes, responded with enthusiasm and a fair share of debate, setting the tone for the film’s subsequent showings at Telluride and beyond.
The Apprentice has thus far captivated everyone from festival-goers to seasoned critics, many of whom describe it as more than just a biopic. It is being called a “dive into the underbelly of the American empire,” and for good reason. Through the lens of Trump’s early career and complex relationships, the film sheds light on the broader American ethos and the insidious nature of ambition in a capitalist society.
As The Apprentice gears up for its wide release, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to spark conversation and controversy. The film’s depiction of influential figures, controversial relationships, and morally ambiguous actions ensures that it will remain a focal point of discussion long after its initial screening. Whether one agrees or disagrees with its portrayal, it is clear that The Apprentice will leave an indelible mark on the landscape of modern cinema.
With its October 11th release date fast approaching, audiences worldwide are eagerly waiting to see how Ali Abbasi and his talented cast bring this contentious and compelling story to life on the big screen. Mark your calendars, as The Apprentice promises to be one of this year’s most talked-about films.
