Welcome to the World of “The Apprentice” – A Film That Trump Might Not Dislike
Despite the Trump campaign’s threat of legal action over the film, director Ali Abbasi has argued that Trump might not actually dislike the movie. After facing challenges in generating interest following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, “The Apprentice,” a drama depicting a young Donald Trump starring Sebastian Stan, has finally found a distributor. Briarcliff Entertainment is set to release the film in U.S. and Canadian theaters on Oct. 11, just before the November elections.
Ali Abbasi, the Danish Iranian filmmaker behind “The Apprentice,” was eager to get the film out before the election, as larger studios initially passed on the opportunity. Abbasi expressed frustration at certain influential figures in the U.S. preventing the film’s visibility. One major factor affecting the movie’s reception was the potential for legal repercussions. Trump’s campaign had threatened to sue over the portrayal of Trump’s character and other controversial aspects depicted in the film.
“The Apprentice” tells the story of Trump’s early days in the New York real estate scene under the guidance of lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. The film includes a scene where Trump is shown allegedly raping his wife, Ivana Trump, portrayed by Maria Bakalova. While Ivana Trump had made allegations of rape in a divorce deposition years ago, she later clarified her statement. Abbasi’s willingness to engage with the Trump campaign suggests a desire for open dialogue and discussion surrounding the movie’s content.
Briarcliff Entertainment, the distributor behind “The Apprentice,” has a track record of releasing impactful films, including documentaries and thrillers. Led by Tom Ortenberg, known for his involvement in successful projects like “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Spotlight,” the indie distributor is poised to bring “The Apprentice” to audiences despite the controversies surrounding its subject matter.
