Controversial Film “The Apprentice” to Hit US Theaters in October, Stirring Legal Threats
A highly controversial biopic of former President Donald Trump, portraying unsettling scenes including an alleged rape, is slated for release in US theaters this October. The film, titled “The Apprentice,” has already drawn legal threats from Trump’s attorneys and is poised to make waves just weeks before the critical presidential election where Trump faces off against Kamala Harris.
According to reports by the Los Angeles Times, Briarcliff Entertainment, a small independent studio, plans to release “The Apprentice” to US audiences on October 11. The timing is particularly striking, coming less than a month before the nation heads to the polls.
The film first caused a stir at the Cannes Film Festival in May, with its most controversial scene depicting Trump raping his first wife, Ivana, following her ridicule of his appearance. Ivana Trump had made similar accusations during their divorce proceedings, though she later recanted them. Ivana passed away in 2022.
Additionally, the film portrays Trump grappling with erectile dysfunction and undergoing cosmetic procedures for hair loss and liposuction.
Following its Cannes premiere, Trump’s legal team quickly condemned the film, labeling it “garbage” and “pure malicious defamation,” and vowed to sue the producers.
Financial backer fallout
Adding to the film’s tumultuous journey, one of its initial financial backers, pro-Trump billionaire Dan Snyder, reportedly tried to block the movie after expressing displeasure with its portrayal of Trump. Snyder has since been bought out of his financial stake, allowing the film to proceed with its US release.
Critical acclaim and sympathetic portrayal
Despite its contentious content, “The Apprentice” has garnered positive reviews, particularly for Sebastian Stan’s performance as a young Trump. The screenplay, penned by journalist Gabriel Sherman, offers a nuanced depiction of Trump as an ambitious yet naive social climber navigating Manhattan’s treacherous real estate and political arenas.
The Times of London remarked that the film could “make you feel sympathy for Trump,” as it shows his gradual moral decline under the tutelage of mentor Roy Cohn, played by “Succession” star Jeremy Strong.
Director’s vision
Director Ali Abbasi defended the inclusion of the rape scene, explaining to AFP that it illustrates how Trump distanced himself from “human relationships that define him and that hold him in check as a human being.” Stan, known for his roles in Marvel superhero movies, added that Trump’s early behavior “is much more relatable than we want to admit.”
Briarcliff Entertainment, founded in the late 2010s by Tom Ortenberg, is no stranger to high-stakes releases. Ortenberg previously guided Oscar campaigns for best picture winners “Spotlight” and “Crash.” He is expected to push “The Apprentice” in Hollywood’s upcoming award season.
Coinciding releases
The news of “The Apprentice” comes as another biopic, “Reagan,” depicting former Republican President Ronald Reagan, also hits US theaters. The simultaneous release of these films about two iconic Republican figures adds another layer of intrigue to an already charged political atmosphere.
As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on “The Apprentice” and its potential impact on the upcoming election.