Donald Trump Biopic 'The Apprentice' Provokes Mixed Reactions

"The Apprentice," a film offering a nuanced depiction of Donald Trump's early years, faces both legal threats from Trump and mixed critical reception.

US actor Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Donald Trump in "The Apprentice," a film illustrating the former president's formative years alongside his influential lawyer, Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, aims to provide a multifaceted portrayal of Trump, showcasing a less sensational, more grounded character study different from the typical exaggerated portrayals. Despite receiving a warm reception at the Cannes Film Festival, the film struggled to secure a US distributor, partly due to Trump's threats of legal action against what he termed a "fake and classless" depiction of his life.

Director Ali Abbasi emphasized the challenges faced in releasing the film, describing it as a particularly demanding project. Despite the hurdles, Abbasi advocated for releasing "The Apprentice" before the impending US election, hoping the film might contribute to public discourse. The controversial nature of the film, particularly a scene depicting a contentious moment between Trump and his first wife, Ivana, has been a focal point, balancing the line between artistic expression and potential libel, as noted by critics like Katie Walsh of the LA Times.

At the box office, "The Apprentice" has yet to make a significant impact, aligning with criticisms from varied audiences regarding its narrative choices. Despite this, its release adds another dimension to ongoing debates about Trump's impact on American culture and politics. Ultimately, the film represents an artistic exploration rather than a political statement, aiming to humanize a figure often depicted one-dimensionally, while recognizing the profound influence figures like Roy Cohn had on Trump's development.