At first glance, Ali Abbasi might appear an unlikely choice to direct a film about the origins of former President Donald Trump. The 43-year-old filmmaker, born in Tehran and residing in Denmark, is known for exploring supernatural and horror themes through works like “Border” (2018) and “Shelley” (2016), as well as serial crime in “Holy Spider” (2022). However, his background provides a distinctive, detached perspective on a contentious subject approaching another presidential election, as Trump seeks a second term.
In 2018, screenwriter Gabriel Sherman’s manager approached Abbasi with a question: “You’re skilled at handling monsters and trolls… Would you be interested in making a movie about Donald Trump?” “The Apprentice,” set to release in theaters on October 11, adopts what Abbasi refers to as a “radically humanist angle.” The film centers on Trump’s (played by Sebastian Stan) early career in New York’s real estate sector under the guidance of his attorney and mentor, Roy Cohn (played by Jeremy Strong).
Initially portrayed as an eager young man striving to impress his father, Trump’s complex relationships with his family and associates are explored. The film also examines Trump’s mistreatment of Cohn as Cohn’s health declines, creating moments of empathy for the lawyer known for his connections to the mafia and as a “Red Scare” prosecutor. Abbasi additionally highlights Trump’s relationships with his older brother Fred (Charlie Carrick) and his first wife, Ivana (Maria Bakalova).
The film offers a nostalgic depiction of New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, capturing its gritty essence with documentary-like imagery. Cohn is portrayed as a controversial figure, notable for his secretive personal life and anti-intellectual stances, but also as a charismatic individual with diverse interests.
Abbasi regards Cohn as a significant contributor to the lineage of the American populist right, excelling at manipulating media narratives to create his version of truth. In a memorable scene, Cohn advises Trump on the relativity of truth and morality, emphasizing the importance of winning.
Abbasi shared insights from his discussions with Sherman regarding the portrayal of Trump’s ascent in American politics. He expressed skepticism over the belief that Trump’s arrival upended societal structures, suggesting instead a reflection on societal complicity in such developments. The film encourages viewers to explore Trump’s journey from his perspective and question the concept of “the other.”
Despite adopting a humanist approach, the film has faced controversy, including allegations of depicting a scene where Trump assaults Ivana. This is based on Ivana’s early claims during their divorce, later retracted, about a rape incident in 1989. Following her death in 2022, these claims remain contentious.
Trump’s legal team attempted to prevent the film’s U.S. screening by sending a cease and desist letter during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, effectively discouraging distributors until recently. Additionally, Abbasi revealed challenges in securing funding, with some Hollywood liberals perceiving the film as overly sympathetic toward Trump.
Abbasi describes the project as an experiential narrative tracing Trump’s evolution from a businessman to a politician. Beyond examining American political polarization, Abbasi seeks to understand the structural dynamics enabling such divisions. He points to the fluidity of ideology and its implications for political affiliations, using Trump’s shift from Democrat to Republican as an example.
“The Apprentice” provides a platform for analyzing power structures and the versatile nature of political ideologies, inviting discussions about the underlying mechanisms that shape political landscapes. The movie aims to prompt a deeper examination of these themes, offering viewers an opportunity to question established political dichotomies.
