The upcoming film The Apprentice, which delves into Donald Trump’s early years, is stirring up quite a buzz.
Releasing on October 11, it explores Trump’s rise to power under the mentorship of lawyer Roy Cohn. However, Trump himself isn’t happy about it.
THE APPRENTICE AND DONALD TRUMP
He has threatened legal action against the filmmakers, labelling the project a “concoction of lies” that “defames” him.
Despite the backlash, the film’s stars, Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, maintain that the film isn’t intended to demonise Trump or Cohn.
“This is a movie about two human beings, not about two villains or monsters,” Jeremy Strong told Entertainment Weekly.
THE APPRENTICE CAST SPEAKS OUT
He plays Cohn, while Stan takes on the role of the former president.
“I don’t think the movie attempts to vilify these people. It attempts to understand where they came from and how they became who they are,” Strong added.
Sebastian Stan echoed this sentiment, describing the film as a complex relationship narrative.
“In some ways, it’s sort of a love story,” he said.
THE APPRENTICE FOCUSES ON ‘PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS’
He appreciates the unique aspect of their characters: “I’m playing a guy named Roy, and you’re playing a guy named Donald.”
This adds a layer of depth to their performances and underscores the film’s focus on personal relationships rather than pure politics, according to People.
Directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice offers a unique lens on Trump’s evolution in the 1980s.
A POWER PLAYER
The film chronicles his transformation from a budding power player to a symbol of wealth and success. This was all while under Cohn’s influence.
Strong notes, “Our director talked about this: All great movies are about relationships.”
He adds, “This is not a political movie. It’s about two outsiders who became the ultimate insiders.”
The film arrives in theatres at a politically charged time, just weeks before the U.S. election, according to AP News.
NO POLITICAL AGENDA
However, the actors stress that their intention is not to sway political views.
“It’s not telling you how to vote,” Strong says. He believes the film appeals to a broad audience, stating, “If you liked Barbie, this movie is for you. If you didn’t, this movie is for you.”
Stan supports this notion, suggesting that audiences might gain insight into their own humanity through the film.
“Hopefully, this movie leads people towards a reconnection with their own humanity,” he reflects.
COMPLEX POWER DYNAMICS
In today’s world, nurturing empathy feels essential, he adds. “We have to nurture empathy, and that’s at stake now more than ever.”
The relationship between Trump and Cohn provides a fascinating backdrop for the story.
They both strived to understand and master the levers of power. It utilises Cohn’s aggressive tactics: “Always attack, deny everything, and never admit defeat,” as Strong notes.
This exploration may resonate with South African audiences, who are familiar with the complexities of power dynamics in their own political landscape.
THE APPRENTICE
Ultimately, The Apprentice presents a nuanced take on its subjects.
Rather than merely vilifying them, it invites viewers to reflect on the origins of their moral and philosophical frameworks.
DARK AMBITION
In doing so, it hopes to ignite conversations about humanity, empathy, and the darker aspects of ambition.
As the film prepares for release, its stars remain optimistic. “The only way to confront the darkness is to be aware of it,” Stan concludes.
With its blend of drama and humanity, The Apprentice aims to offer a fresh perspective on a contentious figure in modern history.
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