Trump Biopic Premieres Amidst Legal Threats

The controversial Donald Trump biopic, 'The Apprentice', directed by Ali Abbasi, is being released in U.S. cinemas amidst an intense political climate and legal threats from Trump's attorneys. The film portrays Trump's early years and his relationship with mentor Roy Cohn, facing distribution challenges as no major Hollywood studio would release it, leaving indie studio Briarcliff Entertainment to take on the task. It has been described as provocative, offering a nuanced portrayal of Trump as ambitious but naive, and includes contentious scenes like an alleged rape of Ivana Trump, which she later retracted. Despite being labeled as 'pure fiction' by Trump's campaign, Abbasi insists the film is fact-based, not a political statement. Abbasi's own experiences staying at a Trump hotel, which he found lacking in luxury, have added another layer of narrative to the film's reception. The film’s release, occurring just weeks before the U.S. election, could impact its reception and box office performance.