The much-anticipated biopic ‘The Apprentice’, chronicling the early life of former US President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy upon its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This highly anticipated film, which delves into Trump’s origins as a property developer in 1970s and 1980s New York, has garnered significant attention and mixed reactions.
Despite the film’s disclaimer highlighting the fictionalized nature of certain events, it has already prompted a lawsuit threat from Trump’s team. They allege that the film contains ‘sensationalized lies’, particularly in scenes depicting sexual assault and plastic surgery. One scene that evoked audible gasps from the Cannes audience portrays Trump raping his first wife, Ivana. This allegation was initially made by Ivana during divorce proceedings but later withdrawn.
The film’s director, Ali Abbasi, presents a complex portrayal of Trump, highlighting his ambition and naiveté, while simultaneously showcasing the erosion of his morality as he navigates the political arena. Despite its controversial nature, ‘The Apprentice’ has received rave reviews from some critics. The Times of London commended the film’s ability to evoke sympathy for Trump, while Variety lauded its sharp and scathing portrayal.
The film’s release coincides with Trump’s ongoing trial in Manhattan surrounding a hush money scandal involving porn star Stormi Daniels. This biopic serves as a timely exploration of Trump’s rise to power, shedding light on his personal and political journey. It remains to be seen how the lawsuit threats will impact the film’s distribution and reception, but ‘The Apprentice’ has undoubtedly ignited a heated debate about the portrayal of controversial figures in cinematic storytelling.
