Directed by Ali Abbasi and starring Marvel actor Sebastian Stan in the titular role, The Apprentice is a highly anticipated biopic that has already stirred up a lot of controversy even before its release. The film has come under fire from mainstream media for allegedly painting former President Donald Trump in a sympathetic light.
The Apprentice follows the rise of Donald Trump from his early days as a real estate mogul to his election as the 45th President of the United States. The trailer of the film has garnered a lot of attention and has sparked debate over whether the film glorifies Trump or simply presents a more objective view of his journey.
While the film has not yet been released, it has already received criticism from various media outlets for its supposed sympathetic portrayal of Trump. It is important to note, however, that the film is not a documentary or a news report, but a work of fiction based on real events. It is meant to be a cinematic interpretation of Trump’s life, not a factual retelling.
One of the main reasons for the media’s criticism is the casting of Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump. Some have argued that Stan’s good looks and charm will make audiences sympathize with Trump and overlook his controversial actions. However, it is unfair to judge the film based on the actor’s appearance rather than his performance. Stan is a talented actor and has the ability to portray a complex character like Trump with depth and nuance.
Moreover, it is not uncommon for biopics to cast attractive and charismatic actors to play controversial figures. This method has been used before in films like The Social Network, where Jesse Eisenberg played Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Vice, where Christian Bale portrayed former Vice President Dick Cheney. These films did not face the same criticism, so it is unfair to single out The Apprentice for its casting choices.
Another reason for the media’s backlash is the timing of the film’s release. With the recent Capitol riots and Trump’s second impeachment trial, many believe it is inappropriate to release a biopic that could potentially humanize Trump. However, it is important to remember that the film was in production long before these events took place. The filmmakers should not be blamed for the unfortunate timing of the film’s release.
Furthermore, The Apprentice is not the first film to tell the story of a controversial figure. Biopics allow us to understand the actions and motivations of individuals who have made a significant impact on history, whether positive or negative. They offer a deeper insight into their personal lives and the events that shaped them. The Apprentice is an opportunity to look at Trump’s life from a different perspective and try to understand how he became the person he is today.
It is also worth noting that the film’s director, Ali Abbasi, is a critically acclaimed filmmaker known for his bold and thought-provoking work. His previous film, Border, was nominated for an Academy Award and received widespread acclaim for its unique take on a supernatural love story. Abbasi is known for his ability to challenge the audience’s perspective and present complex and multifaceted characters.
In a recent interview, Abbasi stated that his intention was not to make a political statement or portray Trump in a certain light. He simply wanted to tell a compelling story that explores the human side of Trump, not just the public persona. In fact, Abbasi has expressed his admiration for Trump’s tenacity and charisma, as well as his disdain for some of his actions.
The media’s criticism of The Apprentice is premature as the film has not been released yet. It is unfair to judge a film based on its trailer or early reviews. Everyone should have the opportunity to watch the film and form their own opinion. We should not let the media dictate what is acceptable to watch and what is not. After all, art is meant to provoke thought and elicit emotions, and in this case, it seems to be doing just that.
In conclusion, The Apprentice is a highly anticipated biopic that has sparked controversy due to its portrayal of Donald Trump. However, it is important to remember that the film is a work of fiction and not a news report. It is an interpretation of Trump’s life by a talented filmmaker and should be treated as such. Let us not jump to conclusions and give The Apprentice a chance to tell its story.
