The biographical drama "The Apprentice," which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, has become a focal point of controversy. This film, which chronicles Donald Trump's life during the 1970s and 1980s, received a wider theatrical release in the United States in October. Starring Sebastian Stan as a younger Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, the film delves into significant events in Trump's early career and personal life. Its portrayal of Trump's turbulent relationship with his first wife, Ivana Trump, and its inclusion of a controversial rape scene based on Ivana's 1990 divorce deposition have fueled heated debates.
The film's depiction of sensitive topics has not gone unnoticed, with Trump's legal team taking swift action in an attempt to halt its U.S. release. In May 2024, Trump's attorneys issued a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers, arguing that the film defamed the former president. They threatened legal action unless the film was blocked from distribution. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, also announced plans for a lawsuit to address what he described as "blatantly false assertions."
"This 'film' is pure malicious defamation, should not see the light of day, and doesn't even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire," – Donald Trump
Despite these efforts, "The Apprentice" reached audiences across America. Director Ali Abbasi and the film's producers defended their work against Trump's criticism. Abbasi took to social media on October 14, 2024, to respond to Trump's rebuke.
"Thanks for getting back to us @realDonaldTrump," – Ali Abbasi
Abbasi expressed surprise at Trump's reaction, maintaining that the film aimed to present a nuanced view of its subject.
"I have to say, I don't understand why he's so angry…. [We] try to depict him in a human way, complex way with a lot of nuances, a lot of care. So I think I was expecting a thank-you letter or something like that," – Ali Abbasi
Trump's response to the film was unequivocal. He dismissed it as "fake and classless," expressing his hope that it would fail at the box office. The former president also criticized Gabriel Sherman, the film's writer, accusing him of ignoring Ivana Trump's positive attributes.
"My former wife, Ivana, was a kind and wonderful person, and I had a great relationship with her until the day she died. The writer of this pile of garbage, Gabe Sherman, a lowlife and talentless hack, who has long been widely discredited, knew that, but chose to ignore it," – Donald Trump
Sherman faced serious backlash following Trump's comments. He reported receiving death threats and antisemitic hate messages after Trump posted about the film on social media.
Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Donald Trump earned him his first Oscar nomination. Reflecting on his role, Stan described his character as complex and multifaceted.
"A well-crafted character built from rage and years of suppression," – Sebastian Stan
Stan acknowledged the challenges he faced in finding collaborators willing to discuss the film due to its controversial nature.
"I couldn't find another actor to do it with me, because they were too afraid to go and talk about this movie, so I couldn't do it," – Sebastian Stan
Jeremy Strong also received his first Oscar nomination for his role as Roy Cohn, a political fixer who becomes a significant figure in Trump's life. Strong's depiction of Cohn has been widely praised, with critics highlighting his nuanced performance.
"Art is meant to speak truth to power. We don't often do that with consequences. The specter of consequences weighs heavily on me," – Jeremy Strong
Strong further explained the thematic underpinnings of his character's relationship with Trump.
"It's a monster movie. It's a Frankenstein movie. It's about the creation of a monster by another monster," – Jeremy Strong
Despite its controversial reception, the producers of "The Apprentice" have defended the film's integrity.
"The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president," – Producers of the film
They encouraged audiences to watch the film before forming opinions.
"We want everyone to see it and then decide," – Producers of the film
