Movies
The Struggles Behind The Apprentice: Filmmakers Blame Hollywood’s Fear of Trump
Oct
1. A Cannes Success, But a Distribution Struggle
After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and receiving an 11-minute standing ovation, The Apprentice, a biopic about Donald Trump, has struggled to find a distributor. The filmmakers were shocked that Hollywood studios, even with a stellar cast and critical acclaim, showed hesitation, which they attributed to the controversial subject of Trump. Director Ali Abbasi and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman revealed that the film, which explores Trump’s rise under the mentorship of Roy Cohn, faced industry-wide trepidation.
2. Trump’s Legal Threats and Hollywood’s Reluctance
The biopic, starring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, was met with legal threats from Trump himself, who reportedly disliked its portrayal. Trump’s close associate, Dan Snyder, who initially supported the film, also expressed outrage after discovering the film’s critical lens on Trump’s life. The filmmakers believe these threats contributed to Hollywood’s reluctance, with major studios choosing to avoid potential legal and political backlash from the former president.
3. Fear of Offending Trump and Hollywood’s Cowardice
Veteran studio executive Tom Ortenberg, who ultimately acquired the film for his Briarcliff Entertainment banner, blamed Hollywood’s “cowardice” for its hesitancy. He found it disturbing that the industry, once known for taking creative risks, bent to the fear of upsetting Trump. Ortenberg’s criticism reflects a broader trend in Hollywood’s current climate of self-censorship, where sensitive political topics are often sidestepped in favor of safer projects, which, according to Ortenberg, threatens the artistic integrity of the industry.
4. The Chilling Impact on Creative Expression
For writer Gabriel Sherman and lead actor Jeremy Strong, Hollywood’s response was a disturbing indication of censorship. Sherman noted that the industry’s self-censoring, especially on politically sensitive topics, was a sign of how far-reaching Trump’s influence has become. Strong echoed these sentiments, pointing out that this kind of fear stifles important stories from being told. The film’s struggles reflect an artistic community increasingly wary of political risks and media backlash, ultimately curbing the diversity of stories that get greenlit.
5. Ortenberg’s Hope for the Film’s Cultural Impact
Despite these challenges, Ortenberg remains optimistic that The Apprentice will find success both in theaters and award circuits. He believes the film will resonate with audiences, not just for its controversial subject matter but for its daring approach to Trump’s origin story. The filmmakers hope that by confronting Hollywood’s reluctance to tackle politically charged projects, The Apprentice will pave the way for future films that are willing to challenge the status quo.
Conclusion
The Apprentice‘s battle for distribution illustrates a larger problem in Hollywood, where political fears and legal threats often shape what stories get told. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers remain hopeful that their work will spark important discussions about Trump’s legacy and Hollywood’s role in reflecting political reality.
From: Doublejoydesigns
