The Apprentice star on Trump film: ‘Art shouldn’t demonise or idolise people’

As an admirer of art and storytelling, I found Maria Bakalova’s perspective on the biopic The Apprentice truly captivating. Her nuanced understanding of human complexity and her ability to empathize with complex characters like Ivana Trump and Donald Trump is nothing short of impressive.

This past week, Donald Trump voiced his opinions for the initial time regarding the upcoming biopic titled ‘The Apprentice’. It’s clear that the ex-president of the United States didn’t appear overly satisfied with the way his life during the ’70s and ’80s was depicted in the production.

Trump asserted that the movie was a malicious effort to undermine his Make America Great Again political campaign, just prior to the upcoming U.S. election, and he labeled its creators as deplorable individuals.

However, as stated by actress Maria Bakalova (portraying Ivana Trump), the intent behind the movie wasn’t to vilify or glorify him, but rather to present a balanced portrayal.

As a cinephile, I firmly believe that art ought to reflect the complexities of humanity rather than reducing individuals to stereotypes or idealizations. People are multifaceted beings, capable of adapting our behaviors based on the people we’re with, the circumstances we find ourselves in. We’re not confined to a single shade; we’re a rich tapestry of emotions and actions.

She stated: “I believe our film delves into the lives of these individuals, showcasing a young character who is largely overshadowed by his father and yearns to establish his own identity.

This individual is driven by ambition rather than lack of intelligence. His aspirations are grand and his objectives lofty, which may lead you to cheer for his success.

Whether or not this individual will use his potential success in a certain way is another topic, but I do find his story intriguing personally.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can share that starring in this movie gave me a deeper insight into him. It wasn’t just about grasping his character, but also understanding the people who played significant roles in his life, like Ivana and his former attorney Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong in the film.

She stated, “These are the two individuals who boost his self-assurance, as I see it.” However, let me reiterate, people are far too diverse and complex to be summed up by a solitary term.

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Although the film garnered largely favorable reviews from critics following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, securing distribution proved challenging for the director, Ali Abbasi, a point he openly expressed. Similarly, Bakalova shared her struggles in understanding the circumstances surrounding the movie’s distribution.

I was fortunate enough to catch it at Cannes, and from my perspective, it’s a solid movie. To me, it’s an exceptional piece of cinema,” I shared.

I believe this film transcends its characters; it’s not merely about them. Instead, it delves into the intricate workings of the system and the pursuit of the American Dream, shedding light on its less savory aspects, offering a profound exploration beneath the surface of that societal construct.

“I was captivated by the film, finding its depiction of 70s and 80s New York incredibly engaging. With its vibrant people, locations, bizarre scenarios, and wild parties, it’s hard to believe that I couldn’t wait for its release.

She continued: “I just hope people go and watch it, because it’s an experience. It’s a great experience. It’s educational, it’s fun, it’s so well paced as a cinematic experience. So yeah, I’m not… I cannot wait for people to watch it.”

The Apprentice is now showing in UK cinemas.

2024-10-18 09:33

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