Cannes 2024: Donald Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' receives 8-minute standing ovation; sparks controversy

‘The Apprentice’, directed by Ali Abbasi, premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film, which narrates the story of the 45th American President, Donald Trump, received an 8-minute standing ovation at the prestigious film festival.

The film reportedly portrays Trump as a rapist, with one scene sparking controversy among netizens.

According to the Guardian, the scene depicts Trump and Ivana arguing over his physical appearance. Ivana insults him, calling him ‘fat’, ‘ugly’, and ‘bald’. Trump, angered by the comments, throws Ivana to the ground and forcefully engages in intercourse with her.

Since the 1970s, at least 25 women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct, all of which he has denied.

However, according to Variety, one insider suggests that this depiction of Trump could humanize him to the audience.

‘There is no nice metaphorical way to deal with fascism. It’s time to make movies relevant. It’s time to make movies political again,’ the Iranian-Danish director said.

Jeremy Strong was not present at the Cannes premiere, but Abbasi ensured that Strong was not entirely absent. The 'Succession' star made a cameo appearance through a video call.

About the film

Marvel actor Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump, alongside Jeremy Strong as Cohn and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, the President’s first spouse.

Abbasi drew inspiration for the film from a script by Gabriel Sherman, a journalist who covered the Trump White House and Fox News, including its founder Roger Ailes.

The film's title is a nod to the 2000s NBC series of the same name, which played a role in rehabilitating Trump’s public image after a string of business setbacks and bankruptcies.

‘The Apprentice’ is being released at a time when Trump is seeking reelection as US President, with polls indicating a significant lead over Joe Biden in swing states.

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