Sebastian Stan has reflected on the reception of his film 'The Apprentice', where he portrays Donald Trump, alongside the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, struggled to gain traction following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, with critics questioning whether it would even be shown widely after its festival run. Concerns over its subject matter and the contentious nature of Donald Trump itself have overshadowed its exhibition prospects.
Following its October release through Briarcliff Entertainment, just prior to the upcoming 2024 presidential election, Stan addressed the uncertainty surrounding the film's Oscar prospects during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Awards. "We are deeply, deeply grateful to obviously have had this recognition. It was just hard afterward. You never knew. It was so uncertain. You couldn’t expect anything ever," he remarked, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of recognition for such contentious material.
Stan shared his experience of being told by many, "Well, you’re never going to win anything for this"—a sentiment reflective of the film's polarizing themes. Still, he emphasized the film's significance, saying, "It just felt like it was important." Stan's comments highlight the duality of their experiences, mixing excitement for the project with the heavy weight of its subject matter.
The film was faced with legal challenges from Trump and his supporters, which complicated its release. “We went through an election,” Stan said, discussing the charged atmosphere surrounding its production. "There are so many feelings and there are still feelings. There’s not just one thing." Despite only grossing $1.58 million during its opening weekend across 1,740 theaters, Stan remained positive, believing the film's Oscar consideration would encourage viewers to reevaluate 'The Apprentice'.
"Now the movie gets seen, more people can go in there. They can continue to look and try to understand," he mentioned, indicating the potential for discussion sparked by the film. "This is not a situation where we can be indifferent or we can bury our heads in the sand and wait to wake up and then see what happens. It’s happening now and we’re living in a world where you’ve got billionaires telling you how to think and feel."
During the discussions, Stan showcased his dedication to the role, which involved extensive preparation, including working with dialogue coaches to get Trump’s mannerisms just right. He playfully contrasted Trump’s unique speech patterns, finding, "He doesn’t actually breathe, to be honest. That’s why it’s all in the throat." Stan's humorous take on immersing himself in his character carries undercurrents of reflection on the more serious aspects of his role.
The film 'The Apprentice' offers insights not just about Trump but also about the potent legacy of Cohn, who coached Trump on strategies of denial and manipulation. "Cohn schooled Trump in denying reality and reshaping the truth," Stan noted, encapsulating their relationship and the film's thematic underpinnings.
Despite its setbacks and controversies, the film's penetration of the 2024 election atmosphere has ignited discussions about power, media, and public perception. Stan's portrayal of Trump stands as both an artistic risk and a commentary on the complex realities of political figures.
With Oscar nominations now looming, Stan's experience reflects both the uncertainties and responsibilities actors face when dealing with sensitive historical portrayals. He remains hopeful about sparking important conversations among audiences and illuminating the realities of contemporary political dynamics.
"Forming your own opinion and having the courage to say it" seems to be at the core of what Stan hopes audiences will take away from the film. After all, the interplay between performance and reality is what makes 'The Apprentice' more than just another biopic. It’s about our current culture and the powerful figures within it, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.