At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, actor Sebastian Stan was met with applause for his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice, a biopic about the former President of the United States. A scene from the film, which graphically depicts Trump raping his first wife Ivana, has triggered threats of a lawsuit from the ex-president.
Former US President Donald Trump. (Photo credit: AFP)
New Delhi: The team representing former President Donald Trump has indicated their intention to file a lawsuit over a biographical film that features scenes of rape, erectile dysfunction, and betrayal. The film’s creators have argued that these elements are essential to the narrative and allow the audience to experience a sense of empathy towards Trump.
Debuting at Cannes on May 20, 2024, The Apprentice centers on Trump’s rising career as a real estate magnate in the 70s and 80s. Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Trump, with Jeremy Strong playing his advisor Roy Cohn.
The Apprentice – Not so comedic, rather reminiscent of There Will Be Blood, focused on the soulless endeavors of Donald Trump. Sebastian Stan delivers a stellar performance, reminiscent of Daniel Plainview. It’s a dark, intriguing movie with nuanced criticism… #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/RwfX9Hpn3i
— Alex Billington @ Cannes (@firstshowing) May 20, 2024
Ali Abbasi, the director, has responded to the lawsuit threats by urging the Trump team to watch the film before pursuing legal action. Abbasi suggests that Trump might find himself surprised rather than offended by the movie.
Potential Legal Battle Over Trump Biographical Film
According to Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign communications director, a legal challenge will be presented against the film’s ‘blatantly false assertions.’ Cheung called out the biopic as fictitious trash that revives categorically disproven fabrications for dramatic effect.
Filmmaker Justifies Inclusion of Rape Scene
The Apprentice includes a contentious scene where Trump assaults Ivana after she taunts him about his appearance. The film’s director defended this portrayal, asserting that the incident is a public record and crucial for understanding Trump’s personality.
Amidst the controversy, Trump is actively involved in a high-profile trial in Manhattan linked to a scandal with an adult film actress. He is soon expected to confront Joe Biden once again in the presidential election race.
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FAQs about the Donald Trump Biopic Controversy
- What is causing the controversy surrounding the Donald Trump biopic?
- The Apprentice features a controversial scene that depicts Donald Trump raping his first wife Ivana. This has prompted Trump’s team to announce plans to sue the film’s creators.
- Who stars as Donald Trump in The Apprentice?
- Romanian-American actor Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump in the movie.
- What does the director say about the potential lawsuit?
- Director Ali Abbasi suggests that Trump’s team should watch the film before deciding to sue, as they might find the portrayal surprising rather than offensive.
- Has The Apprentice been released in theaters?
- The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024; information regarding a wider release is not mentioned.
Conclusion
The Apprentice, the biopic centered on former President Donald Trump, has certainly stirred controversy in its portrayal of the business mogul’s early years. Despite threats of legal action from Trump’s representatives, the film has already garnered critical appraisal for Sebastian Stan’s performance following its Cannes debut. As the film sits at the intersection of art and litigation, its ultimate reception by the general public remains a subject of anticipation. With an impending trial and an upcoming election, Trump’s reality continues to be as theatrical as the movies depicting him.