“The Apprentice”, a controversial biopic on Donald Trump’s youth, released video on demand this weekend despite the prosecution of the former American president. The film, which traces the ascent of the young New York real estate developer in the 70s and 80s, had already caused a sensation during its presentation at the Cannes Festival last May.
Faced with legal pressures, the major studios initially refused to distribute the film, before Briarcliff Entertainment decided to release it in theaters in October. Despite elegant criticism, especially for the remarkable interpretation of Sebastian Stan in the role of Trump, the film only won $ 3.5 million in the box office.
Trump’s spokesperson denounced the work as “pure fiction” and “fabric of lies”. The film highlights the complex relationship between Trump and his mentor Roy Cohn, as well as his legal problems linked to racial discrimination in real estate. Daniel Snyder, friend of Trump and initial investor of the project via his Kinematics company, tried to block the exit before retiring from the project.
As the film is gaining visibility, criticisms flock, predominantly welcoming the director of the director and the performance of Sebastian Stan. Despite Trump’s persistent opposition, who refuses this representation of his youth, “The Apprentice” stands out as a simple biopic: he illustrates the deep divisions that the figure of Donald Trump continues.
