A film about Donald Trump in the 1980s, titled “The Apprentice,” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and portrayed the former U.S. President in a scathing light. The movie chronicles Trump’s rise to power in New York real estate under the guidance of Roy Cohn, who was known for his role in the McCarthy-era investigations. Despite picking up international distribution, the film is still seeking distribution in the United States, with major studios and streaming services yet to make a bid on it. Trump’s reelection campaign spokesperson labeled the movie as “pure fiction” and threatened legal action against the filmmakers.
Negotiations for distribution of “The Apprentice” have been ongoing, with numerous offers reportedly on the table domestically. The film’s director, Ali Abbasi, expressed frustration on social media over the lack of interest in the movie in the United States. The film includes a controversial scene depicting Trump raping his wife, Ivana Trump, which is based on Ivana’s 1990 divorce deposition where she accused Trump of rape. However, she later clarified that she did not mean it literally. There were reports of behind-the-scenes drama regarding pressure from billionaire Dan Snyder, an investor in the film, to edit the rape scene.
Releasing a film like “The Apprentice” in an election year could be challenging, as it could become a focal point of controversy. Despite receiving positive reviews at Cannes, the movie did not receive any juried awards at the festival. Critics praised Jeremy Strong’s performance in the film, suggesting it could be an awards contender. Abbasi defended his movie’s direct approach in dealing with issues like fascism, stating that there is no need for metaphorical treatment. He also expressed willingness to discuss the film with Trump and his campaign representatives, offering to organize a screening and a chat to explain the context of the movie.
Representatives for Trump did not respond to requests for comment on the film. The ongoing distribution issues for “The Apprentice” reflect the challenges of releasing a politically charged film in a polarized environment. With the potential for backlash both before and after the election in November, distributors face a tough decision on when to release the movie. Despite the controversy surrounding the film, Abbasi remains determined to have it seen by audiences in the United States and engage in dialogue with those who may oppose its portrayal of Trump.
