Ali Abbasi's highly debated film, 'The Apprentice,' is set to premiere this Friday, just weeks before the elections. The movie explores the early days of Donald Trump's career under the guidance of influential New York attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Sebastian Stan delivers a striking performance as a young Trump, capturing the essence of his character in a way that has garnered significant attention.
Despite the controversy surrounding the film, both Strong and Stan are being considered for their first Academy Award nominations. The film's creators have faced challenges in securing a theatrical release, with major studios initially hesitant due to potential backlash from the Trump campaign.
2. The Portrayal of Roy Cohn and Donald Trump
Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Roy Cohn has been particularly praised for its accuracy. Roger Stone, a veteran advisor to Trump, recently described Strong's performance as 'uncanny in its accuracy.' Strong reflects on Cohn's legacy, noting that his rejection of reality and refusal to accept it are defining traits he instilled in his star pupil.
Sebastian Stan's portrayal of a young Donald Trump presents a blank-slate aspirant keen to be influenced by Cohn. Stan's performance is notable for its depth and humanity, making the character more relatable despite his despicable actions.
3. The Challenges of Filmmaking During an Election Year
The film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May was met with legal threats from the Trump campaign, which dampened interest from distributors. Director Ali Abbasi reflected on the disheartening sensation of navigating these challenges, but ultimately, the film secured a distributor and will be released on over 1,500 screens this Friday.
Strong expressed concern over the reluctance of major studios to embrace the film, fearing backlash from the presidential candidate. 'Its astonishing to think that such things could be prohibited in North Korea or Russia, yet you wouldnt expect that to occur here,' Strong remarked.
4. The Humanistic Approach to Portraying Trump and Cohn
Director Ali Abbasi aimed to create a humanistic treatment of Trump and Cohn, rather than a straightforward political commentary. The film invites viewers to engage with the humanity of individuals they might otherwise dismiss as monstrous figures.
Strong emphasized that empathy is crucial for understanding complex characters like Cohn and Trump. 'The only way we can learn is through empathy,' Stan said. 'We have to protect empathy and continue to nourish it.'
5. The Impact and Reception of The Apprentice
The film has engendered a spectrum of reactions, with some critics arguing that it brings too much sympathy to its lead characters. However, others see it as a necessary exploration of Trump's origins and the moral decay he embodies.
Sebastian Stan drew from his own experiences growing up in Romania and coming to America at age 12. He remembered his mother saying, This is where it happens. This is where you become somebody.' This perspective influenced his portrayal of Trump's early days in New York City.
Despite the controversy surrounding its release, 'The Apprentice' offers a compelling narrative about the origins of Trump's rise to power. The film's release this Friday marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about Trump's legacy and its impact on American politics.
