The new movie “The Apprentice,” depicting controversial incidents involving President Donald Trump, has bombed at the Cannes Film Festival, leaving the major industry event empty-handed.
Despite high expectations and significant corporate media buzz around the anti-Trump movie, “The Apprentice” left the Cannes Film Festival without any awards or a distribution deal in the United States, Breitbart reported.
The film, which faced legal threats from Trump, was one of the most controversial entries at Cannes this year.
It portrays unverified and salacious events from Trump’s life, including accusations of serious misconduct.
The filmmakers appear to have sought to cash in from smearing the 45th president with anti-Trump narratives while falsely claiming the film is “based on a true story.”
The move has also been convenetly timed to emerge in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.
Before the festival, Trump’s legal team issued a cease-and-desist letter to the filmmakers.
The letter, directed at director Ali Abbasi and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman, demanded an immediate halt to distribution efforts.
Trump lawyers warn that the film is a series of falsehoods.
Trump’s chief spokesperson, Steven Cheung, vehemently criticized the film.
He stated, “We will be filing a lawsuit to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers.
“This garbage is pure fiction which sensationalizes lies that have been long debunked.”
According to the cease-and-desist letter, the film is described as “a concoction of lies that repeatedly defames President Trump and constitutes direct foreign interference in America’s elections.”
The film’s portrayal of sensitive content, including a disputed rape allegation and scenes of cosmetic surgery, has ignited fierce debate.
Ivana Trump, the former president’s late first wife, has publicly denied the rape allegations depicted in the film.
Despite the controversy, the film did not receive any awards at the Cannes closing ceremony.
It defied some earlier predictions that Sebastian Stan, who portrayed Trump, might be recognized for his performance.
Media attention at the festival was intense, with many reporters covering the unfolding drama between the Trump camp and the filmmakers.
The lack of a U.S. distribution deal highlights the divisive film’s uncertain future, particularly in a climate where political films face disinterest.
The potential legal repercussions further complicate any plans for a wider release.
The film’s independent financing, primarily from overseas companies and some domestic investors, suggests there was anticipation of controversy and challenges in mainstream acceptance.
As it stands, the legal threats from Trump’s campaign, which plans to file a defamation lawsuit, cast a long shadow over any future for “The Apprentice” in American cinemas.
In conclusion, “The Apprentice,” a film fraught with controversy and legal challenges, failed to secure a U.S. distribution deal or win awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
Despite significant attention and a polarizing portrayal of Trump, the film’s future remains highly uncertain, influenced by political sensitivities and legal threats.
The unfolding legal drama continues to affect its potential release and reception in the U.S. market.
Perhaps the negative reception for the film may be a sign that the tide is finally turning on false and divisive political narratives.
