This week, major U.S. television networks declined to air advertisements for “The Apprentice,” a film depicting the rise of Donald Trump, during the vice-presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz. Directed by Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi and scripted by journalist Gabriel Sherman, the movie portrays a contentious narrative of Trump’s formative years in New York during the 1970s and 1980s, leading up to his prominence as a Manhattan developer.
“The Apprentice,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival five months ago, securing a three-star review from The Irish Times, finds itself in controversy and a challenging path toward its U.S. release – notably as the election draws near, adding a layer of heightened sensitivity to its reception.
Initially, after its debut at Cannes, Trump’s campaign signaled intentions to sue, which did not materialize. The film, featuring a disturbing sequence alleging Trump’s assault on his first wife, Ivana Trump, struggled to find distributors. Ivana Trump, who had alleged rape in a 1990 divorce deposition, later recanted her claim after reaching a settlement.
The movie’s funding revealed unexpected twists, including contributions from billionaire Dan Snyder, who was reportedly misled about the film’s flattering depiction of Trump. This funding complication was partially resolved when Kinematics, the production company, sold its stake, eventually allowing for a distribution arrangement to be finalized.
Sebastian Stan stars as the young Donald Trump, working as a rent collector in Queens under his father’s watchful eye. Jeremy Strong portrays Roy Cohn, a pivotal figure in Trump’s life and a notorious lawyer known for his aggressive tactics and ties to the mob. Cohn, who passed away due to AIDS complications in 1986, is illustrated as a significant influence on Trump, from his counsel during McCarthy’s anti-communist pursuits to the shaping of Trump’s combative rhetoric today.
Film interpretations of Roy Cohn have varied, portraying him in different lights, from Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America,” where Al Pacino played him, to “Citizen Cohn” starring James Woods, a current Trump supporter. These portrayals reflect Cohn’s complex legacy in American culture, linking historical events to contemporary political movements.
As Trump moved away from Cohn during the latter’s waning power due to health and legal troubles, a chilling remark attributed to Cohn summed up their relationship: “Donald pisses ice water.”
Despite its upcoming U.S. release, industry experts like those at Entertainment Weekly suggest “The Apprentice” might not shift the political conversation, noting that its controversial content has become all too familiar to an audience desensitized by ongoing political scandals.
In response to the film, Trump’s campaign has been dismissive, reiterating its stance on such portrayals as “pure fiction.” The communication director, Steven Cheung, criticized the film as a malicious, defamatory act of election interference, consistent with the campaign’s vigorous rebuttal of criticism.
As “The Apprentice” navigates the complex terrain of public and legal scrutiny ahead of its release, its ultimate impact, both culturally and politically, remains to be seen, especially in a nation currently polarized as the election looms.