Hollywood’s Briarcliff Entertainment is set to release the provocative biopic ‘The Apprentice’ in US theaters on October 11. The film has ignited a firestorm of controversy due to its portrayal of Donald Trump as a rapist, sparking heated debates and legal threats from Trump’s legal team. Directed by acclaimed Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the biopic also delves into Trump’s early business ventures and his intricate relationship with the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn. As the nation braces for a closely contested presidential race, this Hollywood release might have the potential to influence American voters. The film comes out just as former US President Donald Trump prepares to challenge Vice-President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

‘The Apprentice’ made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, instantly becoming a source of intense controversy. The film dramatizes a 1989 incident described by Trump’s first wife, Ivana Trump, during their tumultuous divorce proceedings—a claim she later retracted. In this scene, Trump is shown reacting violently after Ivana insults his appearance, leading to a disturbing assault. This portrayal is based on allegations from Ivana’s 1990 deposition, where she initially accused Trump of rape but later clarified that while she felt violated, she did not mean her words to be taken literally or criminally. Trump has steadfastly denied these allegations, calling them “obviously false.”

Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Donald Trump, while Maria Bakalova portrays Ivana Trump. Jeremy Strong plays Roy Cohn, Trump’s controversial lawyer known for his ruthless tactics. The film captures the dark side of Trump’s rise in the real estate business during the 1970s and 1980s, illustrating his relentless ambition and ethical compromises. Roy Cohn is depicted as a pivotal mentor who teaches Trump to “admit nothing, deny everything,” showcasing the corrupting influence that shaped Trump’s early career.

The title ‘The Apprentice’ alludes not only to Trump’s business journey but also to his time as the host of the reality TV show ‘The Apprentice,’ which ran from 2004 to 2017, and its spin-off ‘The Celebrity Apprentice,’ where he appeared until 2015. Scripted by bestselling author Gabriel Sherman, the film aims to expose the darker facets of American capitalism through Trump’s story. It explores the origins of an “American dynasty” and delves into a “zero-sum” culture that highlights the stark divide between winners and losers, the dynamics of power and vulnerability, and the psychology behind Trump’s persona.

A significant scene in ‘The Apprentice’ shows Ivana presenting Trump with a book about female orgasm. Trump’s reaction turns violent as he dismisses her interest and forces himself upon her. This incident echoes Ivana’s detailed account from her divorce deposition, further complicating the narrative around Trump’s alleged misconduct.

The film also does not shy away from depicting Trump’s struggles with erectile dysfunction and his attempts to address his appearance through liposuction and hair loss surgeries. These personal details add another layer to the controversial portrayal of Trump’s life.

Just hours after ‘The Apprentice’ premiered at Cannes, Trump’s lawyers issued a statement threatening to sue the producers, labeling the film as “garbage” and “pure malicious defamation.” Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign chief spokesperson, stated that they would pursue legal action against what he termed as “sensationalized lies” intended as election interference by Hollywood elites.

Adding another layer of complexity to the film’s release is the involvement of pro-Trump billionaire Dan Snyder, one of its early financial backers. Snyder, who contributed significant sums to Trump’s campaigns and inaugural committee, was reportedly under the impression that the film would be a favorable portrayal of Trump. After viewing a cut of the film in February, Snyder was said to be furious and his lawyers sent cease-and-desist notices. Eventually, Snyder was bought out of his financial stake in the movie, allowing its release to proceed as planned.

In summary, ‘The Apprentice’ is more than just a biopic; it is an exploration of power, ambition, corruption, and deceit set against the backdrop of American capitalism. It meticulously charts the origins of an American dynasty while provoking intense discussions about its controversial subject matter.