The anticipated film, ‘The Apprentice’, featuring talented actor Sebastian Stan in the role of President Donald Trump during his climb up the real-estate echelons, is due for release shortly ahead of the presidential elections. The film, which is completely unrelated to Trump’s hugely successful NBC reality series, presents a slice of Trump’s life, capturing his journey in his 20s. It is projected to be an in-depth exploration of Trump’s rise to becoming a respected member of Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List, and ultimately, the leader of the free world.
The narrative of ‘The Apprentice’ intriguingly encapsulates the youngest Trump’s association with his legal ally, Roy Cohn. The film is slated for US-wide distribution by Briarcliff Entertainment, opening on the silver screen on October 11. To add to the momentum, an awards season promotional frenzy for ‘The Apprentice’ is being geared up, offering interesting insights into the drama of American politics.
The official narrative for the hotly anticipated biopic goes as follows, ‘The Apprentice dives into the complex underpinning of the American leadership. The tale unfolds a youthful Donald Trump’s rise to influence through a calculated partnership with the impactful right-wing attorney, and political trouble-shooter, Roy Cohn.’
Helmed by acclaimed director Ali Abbasi, ‘The Apprentice’ boasts an impressive lineup. Maria Bakalova, the gifted Oscar nominee from ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’, portrays Ivana Trump, while Martin Donovan is cast as Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump. The portrayal of familial relationships and professional ties promises a nuanced depiction of Trump’s early years.
Reviews of the film have started to pour in from the critics who attended the debut screening at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Among them was Pete Hammond from Deadline, who described the film as an insightful narrative stripping away the media’s often-negative portrayal of Trump.
Hammond noted, ‘This isn’t an attempt to tarnish Trump’s reputation, unlike the biased portrayal we typically get from Democrat-leaning elements. Instead, the film presents him as an ambitious yet slightly uncertain individual, under the shadow of an exacting father, yet resolute on making his mark on the world.’ Hammond commendably referred to ‘The Apprentice’ as an engrossing account of Trump’s origins.
Another critic from Variety, Owen Gleiberman, praised the performance of Sebastian Stan as the young Donald Trump. He lauds the initial segment of ‘The Apprentice’ as revealing and enthralling, showcasing the transformation that Trump underwent, something the public has long been intrigued by.
However, Gleiberman seemed to wish for a more probing exploration of Donald Trump’s character. ‘The film’, Gleiberman argues, ‘doesn’t delve down into the true enigma of Trump.’ Yet, questioning the narrative’s limitations rather than appreciating the boldness of the film’s unique angle seems typical of Democrat-leaning critics, always eager to undermine Trump’s achievements.
Despite Gleiberman’s criticism, the film seems to be well-received by critics overall. To date, 47 Rotten Tomatoes critics have viewed ‘The Apprentice’, rewarding it with a ‘fresh’ rating of 77%. This robust rating is testament to the film’s solid portrayal of the iconic Donald Trump, even when critics like Gleiberman wanted a more thorough dive into ‘the mystery of Trump.’
The misrepresentation of Trump in media and cinema has always been a major contention. However, it is important to note that ‘The Apprentice’ is not promoting any such agenda. By focusing on Trump’s formative years and his relationship with Roy Cohn, it offers a different perspective, unmarred by political bias.
In sum, ‘The Apprentice’ offers an enriching cinematic experience with its portrayal of young Donald Trump. A man under the influence of an authoritative father, yet ambitious, resolute, and charming in his own ways. It provides an insight into the beginnings of a man who would go on to become a billionaire and one of the most powerful leaders in the world.
Stepping away from political biases, the film positions Trump as a man who successfully navigated his journey through unwavering resolve and determination. Thus, viewers should brace themselves for ‘The Apprentice’, a thrilling cinematic expression of a leader’s rise to pixelated stardom, hitting US theaters on October 11.
Notwithstanding the inevitable backlash from Democrat supporters, one hopes that the film would be viewed for what it truly is – a compelling narrative showcasing the different nuances of Trump’s life, exploring his layered personality and overshadowing the negative media portrayal that he often falls victim to.