The Apprentice movie

From Reality TV to Silver Screen: The Trump Biopic You Didn't Know You Needed!

Love him or hate him, 'The Apprentice' offers a fascinating look into Trump's turbulent beginnings - and the gloves are off!

The world of cinema has recently witnessed a captivating new addition: 'The Apprentice,' a biopic that probes into Donald Trump’s early career fueled by ambition and controversy. Directed by Ali Abbasi and filled with Oscar-worthy performances by Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, the film is creating waves not just for its content but also for its fearless approach to storytelling. Mere weeks before its release, Trump’s campaign labeled the film as “garbage” — an indication of the electric conversations it stirs among fans and critics alike. Is it love or loathe for this cinematic experience? The answer seems to dance somewhere in the middle.

Drew Magary, a columnist from SFGATE, admits to hating Trump, yet finds himself enamored by the gripping storyline presented in 'The Apprentice.' This contradiction grabs at the heart of what makes this film intriguing; it compels viewers to wrestle with their feelings as we follow the rise of a man who has polarized public opinion for decades. With a plot that traces Trump’s ascent back to his business beginnings, the film not only provides entertainment but also attempts to weave in the complexities of his character and motivations, suggesting that this was not merely a tale of a businessman, but an exploration of influence, power, and the cost of ambition.

As discussions around the film heat up, opinions vary widely. Critics have pointed out that while the film offers striking performances, especially from Jeremy Strong portraying Roy Cohn, it may miss the mark in fully capturing the intricacies of Trump's mythos. Cohn's role in Trump's life is shown to be pivotal, a mentorship that evolves into a mastery of public persona and ruthlessness. It's a game of chess that unfolds before our eyes, as the film echoes Trump's rise from a promising businessman to a sensational media figure — all while the backdrop of political tensions continues to mount.

Director Ali Abbasi, in a candid conversation with Business Insider, shared insights on the challenges faced during production, including pushback from various studios and even cease-and-desist requests from Trump’s legal team. Such hurdles only add to the film's reputation as one that dares to challenge, as well as to reflect upon, the current political landscape. Is 'The Apprentice' too hot for Hollywood? Perhaps, but it certainly appears to be striking a nerve across audiences on all sides of the aisle.

As a fun fact, for those eager to see it, 'The Apprentice' is now available in theaters and promises an exploration of the controversial figure that will have viewers questioning their own beliefs along the way. Additionally, the film's release has spurred a debate among former associates of Trump, including his ghostwriter Tony Schwartz, who claims this biopic serves as a warning that the man we see today is fundamentally the same man he was in his youth — unfiltered and unapologetically ambitious. Get your popcorn ready; this cinematic experience is not just a movie, it’s part of the ongoing saga of a very public life!