Exploring the Controversial Film "The Apprentice": A Deeper Look into Trump's Rise to Power

The 42-year-old actor, Sebastian Stan, who portrays Donald Trump in the upcoming film "The Apprentice," recently spoke to the Hollywood Reporter at the BFI London Film Festival premiere. The film, which depicts Trump's ascension in the 1970s and '80s New York, has sparked significant interest and controversy, particularly with the 2024 US presidential election looming.

Uncovering the Truth Behind the Controversial Biopic

The Film's Potential Impact on the 2024 Election

With the US presidential election on November 5, 2024, just around the corner, the release of "The Apprentice" has raised questions about its potential impact on Trump's campaign. Sebastian Stan, the actor who portrays the former president, expressed his hope that the film will inspire viewers to delve deeper into Trump's past and character. "I don't know, but what I do hope is that people, regardless of their opinion, are curious enough to try to dig deeper," he told the Hollywood Reporter. "Because I think we're living in a world where it's so easy to be handed an opinion everywhere you turn."Stan emphasized the importance of individuals forming their own opinions about Trump, rather than relying solely on social media or other sources that may be biased or manipulative. "And I know a lot of people love social media, and that's where they go for information and for things. You're being told what to think. You're being told what to do," he said.

The Film's Depiction of Trump's Rise to Power

According to the film's synopsis, "The Apprentice" follows the young Trump as he "comes under the spell of Roy Cohn (played by Jeremy Strong), the cutthroat attorney who would help create the Donald Trump we know today." The film has received a 79% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85% audience score, suggesting that it offers a compelling and nuanced portrayal of Trump's early years.Stan, who is known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, urged viewers to approach the film with an open mind and to use their own instincts to evaluate Trump's character and trustworthiness. "If you have any inkling of interest, go and really ask yourself: 'Who is this man? Do you really know? Do you really trust this person to lead a country?'" he said.

Trump's Attempts to Censor the Film

The film's release has not been without controversy, as Trump himself has attempted to censor the project. "He's been trying to censor this movie, and at the same time, he claims that he acknowledges free speech. … I can't think of anything more hypocritical," Sebastian said. This response from Trump has only served to further pique the public's interest in the film, with many viewers eager to see what it reveals about the former president's past.The film's screenwriter, Gabriel, echoed Sebastian's sentiment, noting that Trump's aggressive response is in line with the tactics taught to him by Roy Cohn in the film. "It's not surprising [that Trump lashed out]… You've seen the film, the first lesson that Roy Cohn teaches him is: attack, attack, attack. So Trump hasn't seen the movie, but he's clearly following the rules that are in the movie," Gabriel told the Hollywood Reporter.

The Lasting Impact of "The Apprentice"

As the 2024 election approaches, "The Apprentice" has the potential to significantly shape public perception of Donald Trump and his fitness for the presidency. The film's nuanced portrayal of Trump's rise to power, coupled with the former president's attempts to censor it, have only served to heighten the public's curiosity and desire to understand the true nature of the man who once occupied the Oval Office.Whether "The Apprentice" will ultimately sway voters in the 2024 election remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this film has the power to challenge the narrative that has been carefully crafted around Trump's public persona. By encouraging viewers to think critically and form their own opinions, the film may well inspire a deeper, more informed dialogue about the future of American politics.