A new film about former US President Donald Trump, titled The Apprentice, has made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The biopic has received mostly positive reviews from critics but has also faced a legal threat from the former president.
The movie delves into Trump’s early years as a real estate developer in 1970s and 80s New York. It features a scene depicting him raping his first wife, Ivana, which Trump’s spokesman has denounced as “garbage” and “pure fiction”.
Despite starting with a disclaimer that many events are fictionalised, the film has sparked controversy, especially as it coincides with Trump’s ongoing hush-money trial in New York and his potential re-election bid in November.
Sebastian Stan portrays Trump in the film, with Jeremy Strong playing his mentor and lawyer Roy Cohn. The movie offers a nuanced but unflinching look at the former president, showcasing his descent from a headstrong social climber to a powerful figure with questionable morals.
Director Ali Abbasi has described The Apprentice as a punk rock version of a historical movie, aiming to capture the essence of Trump’s early years without getting bogged down in factual accuracy.
Following the film’s premiere at Cannes, critics have offered mixed reviews. Some have praised the performances of the lead actors, while others have criticized the portrayal of Trump as a caricature. Despite the differing opinions, the movie has sparked discussions about Trump’s legacy and the impact of his presidency.
As the legal battle between the filmmakers and Trump’s team unfolds, The Apprentice continues to generate interest and debate among audiences and critics alike.
Its exploration of Trump’s rise to power and the personal and political challenges he faced has struck a chord with viewers, making it a must-watch film at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
