As the American presidential election approaches, the film The Apprentice, is set to debut in French theaters on October 9th. This feature film explores the early career of Donald Trump, the former U.S. President and current Republican candidate, in the ruthless world of New York real estate in the 1970s and 80s.
A Remarkable Transformation
Marvel star Sebastian Stan portrays the young Donald Trump in this biopic. Well-known for his role as Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stan has made a lasting impression in films such as Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Infinity War. He also played a leading role in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
For his role as Trump, the actor has transformed himself, becoming unrecognizable as revealed in the trailer. To prepare for his performance, Stan gained weight and immersed himself in studying his character: "I had 130 videos dedicated to his physicality on my phone. And 562 videos with photos from different eras - from the 70s to today - to determine his speech patterns and try to improvise like him," he confided to Variety.
A Talented Cast
Alongside Sebastian Stan, we find Jeremy Strong (Succession, The Gentlemen) in the role of Roy Cohn, Trump's controversial lawyer and mentor. Maria Bakalova portrays Ivana Trump (his wife 1977-1990), adding depth to the representation of Trump's personal life. The cast is completed by Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally, and Charlie Carrick.

A Provocative Plot
The film depicts Trump as a young, ambitious man who gradually loses his naivety while learning ruthless power tactics from Cohn. The plot includes controversial elements, notably a scene depicting an alleged assault on Ivana Trump, which has provoked a strong reaction from the Trump camp.
A Tense Release
Directed by Ali Abbasi (Border, Holy Spider), The Apprentice was presented in competition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival where it attracted attention for its provocative content. The film has sparked strong opposition from Donald Trump's team, who attempted to block its release in the United States, labelling it as defamatory. This controversy only adds to the interest generated by this biopic, which promises to shed new light on the early career of the businessman turned president.
With its release coinciding with the period leading up to the presidential election, the film raises questions about its potential impact on public perception and voter behaviour.
In cinemas on October 9, 2024
This article can be used along with Shine Bright Première File 1 Biopics in Hollywood.
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All Images: The Apprentice_© APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS ONTARIO INC._PROFILE PRODUCTIONS 2 APS_TAILORED FILMS LTD.
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