In a highly controversial premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film “The Apprentice” has drawn intense attention for its portrayal of presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The movie, starring Sebastian Stan as a young Trump and Jeremy Strong as his fixer Roy Cohn, includes a harrowing scene depicting Trump raping his then-wife Ivana.
This depiction revisits a disturbing allegation Ivana made in a 1989 divorce deposition, which she later recanted in 2015. Ivana Trump has since passed away.
Disputes Among Financial Backers
The film’s release has already sparked controversy, not just for its content but also among its backers.
Billionaire Dan Snyder, a known supporter and former donor to Trump’s campaigns, is reportedly in dispute with the filmmakers.
Snyder’s financial involvement and support for Trump add another layer of complexity to the film’s reception and potential impact.
Focus on Trump’s Early Business Years
“The Apprentice” delves into Donald Trump’s early years as a businessman, focusing on his relationship with the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong.
Cohn, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1986, was a significant influence on Trump during the 1970s and 1980s.
The film charts Trump’s rise in the real estate world, leveraging his father Fred Trump’s properties to build his own empire.
Direction by Acclaimed Filmmaker Ali Abbasi
Directed by Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, known for his critically acclaimed crime thriller “Holy Spider,” the film promises a gritty and intense portrayal of Trump’s early life.
Abbasi’s direction aims to highlight the moral and human costs of Trump’s ambitious rise to power, set against a backdrop of corruption and deceit.
Cast and Character Portrayals
In addition to Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, the cast includes Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump.
The film portrays the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Trump and his first wife, shedding light on the personal dynamics behind their public personas.
The character of Roy Cohn is particularly significant, serving as a mentor to the young Trump and playing a crucial role in his early business strategies.
A Mentor-Protégé Story
Originally reported by Variety under the working title “The Student,” the film is described as an exploration of power and ambition.
It delves into the origins of what would become a prominent American dynasty, illustrating the profound impact of Cohn’s mentorship on Trump’s career.
The narrative is filled with larger-than-life characters, highlighting the high stakes and ethical compromises inherent in Trump’s pursuit of success.
Revisiting Disturbing Allegations
Central to the film’s controversy is the portrayal of Ivana Trump’s rape allegation from her 1990 divorce deposition.
Ivana had accused Donald Trump of pushing her to the floor and pulling out handfuls of her hair before raping her.
Although she later clarified that she did not mean the accusation literally and that she felt violated in a different sense, the incident remains a deeply troubling part of Trump’s past.
The film brings this episode to the forefront, challenging viewers to confront these allegations anew.
A Script Based on Extensive Research
The screenplay, written by Gabriel Sherman, is grounded in thorough research. Sherman is known for his 2014 book “The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News – and Divided a Country.”
His script for “The Apprentice” aims to provide a nuanced and detailed account of Trump’s early years, framed within a broader narrative of power, ambition, and moral compromise.
Conclusion
“The Apprentice” at Cannes has not only reignited discussions about Donald Trump’s past but also raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers portraying real-life figures.
The film’s controversial content and the disputes among its financial backers highlight the complex interplay between art, politics, and personal history.
As audiences grapple with the disturbing scenes and the historical allegations they depict, “The Apprentice” stands as a bold and provocative piece of cinema, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of one of America’s most polarizing figures
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