"How 'The Apprentice' Films Trump's Complex Rise"

Sebastian Stan plays a young Trump in the film 'The Apprentice,' which examines Trump's rise as a real estate mogul in New York. Despite threats of legal action from Trump, director Ali Abbasi championed the movie, wanting it released before the US election. The film faces mixed reviews and box office challenges, yet avoids a caricature portrayal, focusing on Trump's influential relationship with Roy Cohn, as illustrated by actors Stan and Jeremy Strong.

Sebastian Stan, playing Donald Trump in the film 'The Apprentice,' has stirred controversy and dialogue by providing a nuanced portrayal of the former president's early career. Stan argues that the film, which dives into Trump's New York real estate days and his relationship with lawyer mentor Roy Cohn, offers a deeper, more complex look at Trump's rise to influence. Despite Trump's threats of legal action and claims that the film is "fake and classless," director Ali Abbasi insisted on its release ahead of the US election to contribute to public discourse. The film, although struggling at the box office, has sparked mixed reviews and may influence perspectives on Trump's early years.

The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, depicts Trump’s rise as a real estate mogul in 1970s and 80s New York. It highlights his relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong, exploring the formative impact Cohn had on Trump’s values and strategies. Despite a standing ovation at Cannes, it faced release difficulties, attributed to Trump’s legal threats. Abbasi prioritized its pre-election launch, arguing it contributes to critical political conversations. The movie features Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump in a controversial scene that reflects on complex personal histories. Reviews note the film’s nuanced character study, avoiding caricature portrayals, and instead opting for a three-dimensional representation. Stan concludes that the film offers a significant understanding of Trump, differing from more simplistic depictions.