Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 10, 2024 3:27 am GMT
First Trailer of ‘The Apprentice’ Offers Insight into Young Donald Trump’s Rise
The release of the first trailer for “The Apprentice,” a biopic chronicling Donald Trump’s ascent as a real estate mogul and businessman, has set the stage for what promises to be a provocative exploration of his early years. Starring Sebastian Stan as a young Trump and Jeremy Strong as his infamous mentor Roy Cohn, the film is set to hit theaters on October 11, just weeks before the crucial presidential election on November 4.
The Making of ‘The Apprentice’
The film, named after Trump’s iconic reality TV show, delves into the ambitious life of the future president in the late 1970s and 1980s. Directed amid controversy, it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where it received both accolades and criticism for its bold portrayal of Trump during formative years. The film’s narrative primarily revolves around Cohn, who instills a ruthless philosophy in young Trump, encouraging him to “do anything, to anyone, to win,” a maxim that resonates throughout the trailer.
A Glimpse of Trump’s Early Life
In the one-minute teaser, viewers are introduced to the young Trump navigating significant life events, including his first marriage to Ivana. The trailer showcases both personal and professional milestones, such as Trump’s significant real estate negotiations and his reflections on his image, revealing a blend of ambition and vulnerability. Notably, it includes moments of humor, like a woman commenting, “Your face looks like an orange,” poking fun at the well-known aspects of Trump’s appearance.
Key Players in the Film
The ensemble cast also features Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump and Martin Donovan portraying Trump’s father, Fred Trump. The screenplay, crafted by Gabriel Sherman, is based on an ambitious vision to provide a critical view of the American empire through Trump’s lens.
Launch and Funding Challenges
Despite the strong reception at Cannes, securing a U.S. distributor has been a challenge, leading to the recent launch of a Kickstarter campaign. This initiative aims to help keep the film in theaters longer and serves as a testament to the difficulties faced by the production team. Following various delays since its initial announcement in May 2018, excitement for “The Apprentice” has been met with significant scrutiny.
Controversial Themes and Legal Threats
The film has sparked heated reactions even before its release. The Trump campaign previously threatened legal action against the filmmakers, arguing that the portrayal is filled with “blatantly false assertions.” Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, referred to the film as “pure fiction,” reflecting a broader concern about the film’s impact on Trump’s political capital.
Among the film’s more controversial scenes, the film depicts moments that include discussions around Trump’s personal surgeries and dramatic events from his marriage, including troubling claims regarding his relationship with Ivana Trump. Though denied by Trump, such depictions stir up additional attention and debate surrounding the film.
The Broader Context of Trump’s Biography
As the film prepares for its release, it stands at an intersection of politics, legacy, and entertainment. Trump’s image as a businessman and politician is a topic of significant discussion, particularly as he anticipates a potential return to the White House. With an estimated net worth of $4 billion largely attributed to his business dealings and media ventures, including Truth Social, the upcoming election adds another layer of intrigue to public perceptions of his legacy.
Recent trends suggest a growing interest in politically themed films and series, particularly those that discuss controversial figures, suggesting that “The Apprentice” could tap into a broader audience eager for narrative explorations of real-life political journeys.
What to Expect on October 11
As “The Apprentice” approaches its release date, many are left to ponder the long-term implications of how a film of this nature might affect public opinion, especially in a charged political climate. The combination of timely release and the film’s subject matter may generate significant interest among both Trump supporters and critics alike.
Audiences can expect a blend of drama and biographical storytelling that seeks to unravel the complex layers of one of America’s most famous and controversial figures. The unfolding narrative promises to provide insights into the foundations of Trump’s business acumen and the ruthless strategies that have characterized his career.
As we get closer to the film’s release, it will be interesting to see how “The Apprentice” adds to the mixed opinions about Donald Trump’s legacy.
