Dan Beckerman, the producer of the controversial biopic ‘The Apprentice,’ dives into the film's journey from Cannes acclaim to intense backlash. He discusses the complex dynamics between Donald Trump and lawyer Roy Cohn, showcasing how Cohn shaped Trump's ambitions. Beckerman also reveals the film's challenges, including legal threats from Trump's team, and the fine line between fact and fiction in storytelling about powerful figures. The conversation reflects on the evolution of Trump's public persona and its relevance in today's media landscape.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast highlights how 'The Apprentice' explores Donald Trump's formative years and the significant influence of Roy Cohn on his public persona.
It discusses the challenges the film faced in securing a release due to pressure tactics from Trump's team, illustrating the conflict between artistic expression and political influence.
Deep dives
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The Complex Origins of Donald Trump
The discussion highlights a new film titled 'The Apprentice', focusing on Donald Trump's early years and how he crafted his public persona, heavily influenced by Roy Cohn. The film portrays Trump as an awkward young man desperate for approval from his father and New York's elite, capturing pivotal moments, such as his involvement in a discrimination lawsuit. Cohn's mentorship introduced Trump to ruthless tactics for winning, forming a blueprint for how he would navigate the business and political landscapes. This early relationship is depicted as the catalyst for Trump's transformation into the powerful figure he is today, embodying a mix of bravado and strategic manipulation.
The Struggle Against Censorship and Control
The episode addresses the complications faced by 'The Apprentice' in securing a wide release following its positive reception at Cannes, where it received significant acclaim. Team Trump initiated a pressure campaign, including cease and desist letters, which led many distributors to hesitate in taking on the film due to fears of legal repercussions. The producer reflects on this chilling effect, indicating a growing concern over how powerful figures can silence narratives by leveraging their influence against creative expression. Despite these challenges, the film managed to find a distributor willing to support its release, underscoring a broader battle for artistic freedom in the face of political pressure.
'The Apprentice' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received an eight minute ovation. The film follows a young, awkward, ambitious Donald Trump during his bid for respect among New York City's elite, and his formative relationship with notorious NYC lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.
But in the time since its Cannes debut, team Trump has unleashed a pressure campaign to keep the film from the public.
Dan Bekerman is a producer of 'The Apprentice', and joins us for a discussion about the film's complicated journey to theatres, and the challenges of making art about powerful people.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
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