Controversial Film 'The Tycoon' Sparks Mixed Reactions at Cannes
Witness the premiere of 'The Tycoon,' a gripping portrayal of a real estate magnate's exploits in 1980s New York, at the Cannes Film Festival. The film receives both acclaim and backlash from political circles.
A new movie called "The Apprentice" has been released, focusing on former President Donald Trump's real estate activities in New York during the 1980s. It received both praise, with a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, and criticism from his campaign.
This film about the potential Republican nominee is being shown just five months before the upcoming presidential election.
Sebastian Stan plays a young Trump in the film, which is described as an exploration of power and ambition in a world of corruption and deceit, according to an official synopsis.
Jeremy Strong, known for his role in "Succession," plays Roy Cohn, the lawyer and fixer who Trump looked up to as a mentor at the beginning of his career.
"It's a mentor-protege story that traces the beginnings of an American dynasty. Featuring vivid characters, it uncovers the ethical and personal toll of a society centered on success and failure," the summary explains.
"The Apprentice," although the title may suggest otherwise, is not connected to the reality TV show Trump appeared in. The disclaimer notes that certain aspects of the narrative are slightly fictionalized. This book is penned by biographer and political journalist Gabriel Sherman and brought to life by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi.
During times of turmoil, it's common to turn inward and hope for the best, to avoid facing the storm. At the movie premiere on Monday, Abassi shared, "The storm isn't going away. In fact, the worst is yet to come."
Abassi explained that he decided to create a film that tackles global issues by using a story about Trump. He believes that there is no subtle way to address the growing threat of fascism. Instead, he believes in confronting this issue head-on, even if it may not be pleasant. Abassi emphasized the importance of not staying silent in the face of injustice.
Gabriel Sherman, from left, Maria Bakalova, director Ali Abbasi, Sebastian Stan, and Martin Donovan pose for photographers at the premiere on Monday.
Gabriel Sherman, from left, Maria Bakalova, director Ali Abbasi, Sebastian Stan, and Martin Donovan pose for photographers at the premiere on Monday.
The movie shows how Trump's marriage with his first wife, Ivana, ended in divorce. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there was a scene in the film where the former president was getting liposuction, which caused gasps from the audience.
The Trump campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, stated to CNN that they will be taking legal action against the filmmakers for spreading false information. Cheung called the film pure fiction and accused it of sensationalizing lies that have already been disproven. He described the film as malicious defamation that should not even be considered for release.
In the film, Maria Bakalova portrays the late Ivana Trump, who passed away in 2022. Other actors such as Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally, and Charlie Carrick also appear in the cast.
A release date for the film has yet to be announced. “The Apprentice” does not yet have a US-based distributor, according to IMDb.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming movie "The Apprentice" promises to be a controversial and thought-provoking exploration of former President Donald Trump's early career. While it has received praise for its powerful performances and timely subject matter, the film has also drawn criticism from Trump's campaign for allegedly spreading false information. The fact that the movie is being released just five months before the presidential election adds to its significance, as it is likely to spark further debate about Trump's legacy and the future of American politics.
The film's director, Ali Abbasi, has stated that he intends to use Trump's story to address global issues such as the rise of fascism and the importance of speaking out against injustice. This suggests that the film will not merely be a biopic but rather a broader commentary on the current political climate. It will be interesting to see how Abbasi balances the need to entertain with the responsibility to convey a meaningful message. Given the heated political atmosphere in the United States, "The Apprentice" is sure to be a much-talked-about and polarizing film.
