Former President Donald Trump criticized the movie “The Apprentice,” calling it a false portrayal of his business success.
At a Glance
- Trump labeled the film “politically disgusting” and a “FAKE and CLASSLESS Movie” after its poor performance.
- He questioned the use of the title “The Apprentice,” though films generally can’t copyright titles.
- Trump suggested the movie aimed to harm his presidential campaign by releasing it before the election.
- His campaign spokesperson hinted at suing filmmakers, saying the film spread “malicious defamation.”
- The $16 million-budget film grossed just over $1.5 million on its opening weekend.
Trump’s Outrage Over the Biopic
Donald Trump voiced his strong disapproval of the movie “The Apprentice,” describing it as a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.” Despite the film’s title echoing his former reality TV show, Trump questioned its legal use, raising concerns over intellectual property rights. With claims the movie distorts his rise, Trump alleged political motives behind its release, suggesting an intention to damage his campaign.
A legal confrontation might ensue, as a Trump campaign spokesperson labeled the film’s content as potentially defamatory. They implied possible legal actions against the filmmakers, emphasizing the film’s narrative as an attack on Trump’s character and ambitions. The film’s release timing, close to electoral events, added to Trump’s allegations of political bias.
The Film’s Reception and Criticisms
Despite its discouraging box office performance, grossing just over $1.5 million against a $16 million budget, “The Apprentice” received relatively positive critical feedback. Rotten Tomatoes recorded a 78% critic score, and audiences rated it at 86%, with actors Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong garnering praise for their performances.
“A FAKE and CLASSLESS Movie written about me, called, The Apprentice (Do they even have the right to use that name without approval?), will hopefully ‘bomb,'” – Donald Trump on Truth Social
The drama surrounding the film did not end with Trump’s comments. Investor Dan Snyder, under the impression of a favorable portrayal of Trump, found himself disappointed. Furthermore, the controversial scenes, especially depicting incidents involving Trump’s personal life, added to the film’s contention.
Film Content and Depictions
The biopic, penned by Gabriel Sherman, explores Trump’s New York business journey during the 1970s, focusing on its dramatic aspects. The film showcases contentious scenes, including alleged acts later rescinded by Trump’s former spouse. These creative decisions are causing discussions over their cinematic and factual accuracy.
Donald Trump took shots at ‘The Apprentice,’ on Truth Social, calling the film a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.” https://t.co/6DN4rGZDT7
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) October 14, 2024
Beyond drama, the film illustrates Trump’s affiliation with Roy Cohn, highlighting strategies that Trump reportedly adopted. Portrayals of alleged drug use and cosmetic procedures further stirred controversy, painting an exaggerated image conflicting with Trump’s public stances.
The film further intensified public division over Trump’s legacy, reflecting broader societal polarizations. While the movie continues to screen, discussions over factual accuracy and representational ethics unfold, spotlighting continual debates over media representations of political figures.
Sources:
- Trump Slams ‘The Apprentice’ Film As ‘Fake’ And ‘Classless’ After It Flops At Box Office
- Donald Trump Fumes Over “Fake and Classless” Biopic ‘The Apprentice’
- Trump Gives The Apprentice Film Free Publicity, Calling It “Cheap, Defamatory, and Politically Disgusting”