The Apprentice: A Revelatory Portrait of Young Donald Trump

In the prestigious setting of the Cannes Film Festival, a controversial and highly anticipated film has ignited a firestorm of reactions. “The Apprentice,” directed by Ali Abbasi and starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump, has emerged as one of the most buzzed-about movies of the year, offering an explosive exposé on the formative years that shaped a polarizing presidency.

The world premiere on Monday night was met with a nearly eight-minute standing ovation, a testament to the film’s powerful impact and electrifying performances. As the credits rolled, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, with many remaining on their feet for an extended period, though some were spotted exiting the theater after four minutes.

At the center of this cinematic tour de force is Sebastian Stan’s transformative portrayal of Donald Trump, a performance that has garnered widespread acclaim and the loudest cheers from the Cannes crowd. Stan’s embodiment of the real estate mogul in his pre-MAGA days has captivated audiences and critics alike, offering a rare glimpse into the origins of a controversial figure who would go on to become the 45th President of the United States.

Joining Stan in this exploration of power, ambition, and the moral cost of a culture defined by winners and losers is an ensemble cast that includes Jeremy Strong as the notorious political fixer Roy Cohn, Martin Donovan as Fred Trump Sr., and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. Their performances have been widely praised, with Strong’s absence from the premiere generating buzz as director Abbasi playfully held up a shirtless selfie of the actor in costume.

“The Apprentice” delves into Donald Trump’s ascent to power in 1980s America, charting his rise through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer Roy Cohn. The film explores the underbelly of the American empire, shedding light on the corruption, deceit, and moral compromises that paved the way for Trump’s eventual success.

Controversy has surrounded the film, with several shocking moments drawing audible gasps from the Cannes premiere crowd. A scene depicting Trump’s alleged rape of his first wife Ivana and a surgery room sequence showing him undergoing liposuction have sparked heated discussions and heightened the film’s notoriety.

Despite the lack of a U.S. distributor at the time of its premiere, “The Apprentice” has already generated significant international interest, with StudioCanal acquiring the rights for the U.K. and Ireland, where it will be released theatrically later this year. Rocket Science is handling international sales, while CAA and WME are responsible for domestic sales at Cannes.

Regardless of one’s political leanings, “The Apprentice” has emerged as a captivating and thought-provoking examination of power, ambition, and the human cost of success. With its electrifying performances and unflinching portrayal of a controversial figure, the film has solidified its place as a must-see cinematic event, igniting passionate discussions and leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.