The highly anticipated biopic “The Apprentice,” chronicling a young Donald Trump’s rise under the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, premiered Tuesday evening at the DGA Theater. The film’s journey has been anything but smooth; it took seven years to produce, faced multiple setbacks, and narrowly avoided a cease-and-desist order from Trump’s legal team. As it debuts less than a month before the presidential election, discussions around its timing have intensified.
Actor Jeremy Strong, who portrays Roy Cohn, was candid about the film’s release, stating, “It’s worthless to our world… or certainly worth immeasurably less if it were to come out on November 6.” Strong emphasized the film’s perspective, describing it as a “monster movie” that examines the creation of a monster by another monster, hinting at deeper political implications. “While it’s not a movie that set out to be partisan,” he added, “it does have a point of view.”
“The Apprentice” seeks to provide a nuanced portrayal of Donald Trump, played by Sebastian Stan. In the film, Trump emerges as a young, charismatic figure navigating the world of New York’s power elite. Critics will find moments to humanize him, although these are juxtaposed with troubling scenes that provoke outrage. Notable portrayals include Trump’s transformation through surgery, a brutal assault on Ivana Trump, and a chilling display of Cohn’s manipulation tactics.
Director Ali Abbasi expressed his determination for the film to be seen, stating, “After all we’ve been through, after this David and Goliath situation? I want to release it now. We’re up against everyone, everything. Corporations. Trump. His campaign. Lawyers.” He conveyed a sense of urgency, asserting the film’s significance amid political tensions and legal challenges posed by Trump.
The presence of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, added an intriguing element to the premiere. Cohen indicated that retaliation from Trump might not be straightforward, remarking, “I’m always nervous about retaliation from Donald and his sycophantic followers. That’s the real danger.”
Abbasi and Cohen both highlighted the broader implications of the film. “This isn’t a story about the Democratic party,” Abbasi stated. “It’s about the whole system of power. The U.S. political system is WWF,” comparing it to a wrestling match where manipulation and power struggles dominate.
As “The Apprentice” unfolds on screen, it raises critical questions about the interplay of power, politics, and personal ambition, set against the backdrop of an impending election. The film’s controversial content and timing have sparked discussions about its potential impact on public perception of Trump as the election approaches.
The premiere attracted significant attention, featuring appearances by Strong, Stan, and Abbasi, who took to the red carpet to discuss their work and the film’s themes.
Photos from the Premiere
Notable attendees included Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong, Ali Abbasi, and Sebastian Stan, all of whom contributed to the film’s compelling narrative.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, “The Apprentice” stands poised to provoke dialogue about the nature of power and the legacies we create, challenging viewers to reflect on their understanding of Trump and Cohn’s tumultuous relationship.
Related topic:
Have Any of the Dogs from Beverly Hills Chihuahuas Died?
5 Animated Features Nominated for 37th European Film Awards