As Donald Trump faces legal battles in New York, a new biopic promises to present a 'fair and balanced' view - but not without controversy swirling around its release.
- May 25, 2024
AceShowbiz - The creators behind "The Apprentice," a biographical film about former President Donald Trump, assert that the film offers a "fair and balanced portrait" of the contentious political figure. In a recent statement to TheWrap, the producers stated, "The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president. We want everyone to see it and then decide."
The biopic has already sparked legal confrontations before its potential release. Trump's legal team has sent a cease and desist letter to the producers, attempting to block "The Apprentice" from sealing any distribution deals, especially those anticipated from the Cannes festival.
Steven Cheung, the former president's campaign chief spokesperson, indicated that Trump's team intends to pursue legal action, announcing, "They will be filing a lawsuit."
Currently, Donald Trump is embroiled in a trial in New York City over his alleged involvement in the Stormy Daniels hush money fraud. Against this backdrop, the timing of the biopic's release adds an extra layer of intrigue and contention.
The film, directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, features actor Sebastian Stan portraying Trump during the formative phase of his career, alongside Roy Cohn, played by "Succession" star Jeremy Strong.
The film's narrative closely mirrors Trump's mentorship under Cohn, offering a dramatized glimpse into the makings of the former president.
In his review, Steve Pond from TheWrap described the film as "a true-life horror story in some ways," comparing Abbasi's approach to a "Frankenstein tale in which the mad doctor creates a monster and then loses control of it." However, he also noted that after years of Trump imitations in media, the film might come off as "a little cartoonish, and maybe not the best use of the director's particular talents."
The debate over "The Apprentice" highlights ongoing disputes about how Trump is portrayed in media and culture. As young audiences seek diverse perspectives, the film's reception will likely depend on whether it successfully navigates the fine line between historical representation and sensationalism.
This news was first reported by Variety and underscores the high stakes involved in politically charged filmmaking. Whether "The Apprentice" will reach audiences amidst legal entanglements remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it's shaping up to be a provocative addition to the political cinema landscape.
