“The Apprentice” is a film that dramatizes Donald Trump’s rise through New York City real estate and his relationship with political power broker Roy Cohn. The movie is set to hit theaters in October, just before the presidential election, with Sebastian Stan starring as Trump and Jeremy Strong playing Cohn. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it immediately sparked controversy. The Trump campaign spokesman criticized the film as “pure malicious defamation” and hinted at a potential lawsuit, though it is unclear whether one has been filed.
One of the controversial aspects of the film is a dramatized scene depicting an alleged incident where Trump sexually assaulted his first wife, Ivana. Ivana Trump had referenced an incident in her 1990 divorce deposition, claiming that Donald Trump had raped her. However, she later clarified that she did not mean it literally but felt violated by her ex-husband. The film was written by Vanity Fair journalist Gabriel Sherman, who has been covering Trump and his political allies for over a decade.
The film was directed by Iranian Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, and it portrays the mentorship relationship between Trump and Cohn, who died in 1986. Cohn was a controversial figure who denied being HIV positive before his death. When asked about the Trump campaign’s threat of a lawsuit, Abbasi suggested that Trump should watch the film to see whether he would dislike it or be surprised by it. Abbasi even offered to meet with Trump to discuss the context of the movie and have a screening.
Briarcliff Entertainment, the independent distributor of “The Apprentice,” has experience releasing controversial projects. The company also distributed the documentary “The Dissident,” which explores the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and “Fahrenheit 11/9,” a film by Michael Moore about the 2016 presidential election and the early years of Trump’s presidency. The company’s decision to release “The Apprentice” suggests a willingness to take on politically charged and contentious topics in film.
Overall, “The Apprentice” is a film that delves into the life and career of Donald Trump, focusing on his connections in New York real estate and his association with influential figures like Roy Cohn. The movie has already generated controversy due to its portrayal of a contentious incident involving Trump and his first wife, as well as the response from the Trump campaign. As the film gears up for release, it is likely to provoke further discussion and debate surrounding Trump’s legacy and the impact of his presidency.
