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I must admit that I was not initially interested in watching The Apprentice, the new film that follows Donald Trump’s rise in 1970s and 80s New York. Like many in my liberal social circle, I questioned the need for a movie about a man whose life and actions I already knew about and actively wished to forget.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the film, written by Gabriel Sherman and directed by Ali Abbasi. Despite being dismissed by Trump and Republicans as a biased portrayal, The Apprentice aims to capture the essence of the former president’s character with sincerity and entertainment value. Sherman’s hope that viewers would approach the film without political bias was unfortunately not realized in a highly divided America, where audiences struggle to separate personal beliefs from artistic expression.
Unsurprisingly, the film struggled at the US box office, finding more success in liberal urban areas than in conservative regions. Internationally, The Apprentice fared better, resonating with audiences outside the US who may not have the same daily exposure to Trump’s persona.
The film faced distribution challenges due to objections from Trump’s associates and legal threats, leading to a last-minute rescue by independent distributor Briarcliff Entertainment. Despite the hurdles, The Apprentice managed to reach theaters, offering a unique perspective on a familiar figure through the lens of non-American filmmakers.
While the film may not provide groundbreaking insights into Trump’s character, it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his actions on American society. The filmmakers urge viewers to approach the film with an open mind, challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate their preconceptions.
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