Anna Daniels
Renowned filmmaker Paul Schrader, known for works like Taxi Driver and First Reformed, recently garnered attention for leaving the screening of Ali Abassi’s political drama The Apprentice. Although he deemed the film “excellent,” Schrader found it challenging to engage with a story centered on Donald Trump, labeling him “a shallow, reprehensible person.” This reaction highlights how profoundly Trump’s identity influences the film, a feeling echoed by many viewers.
Opening on over 2,000 screens, The Apprentice experienced a dismal box-office performance, earning just $1 million during its opening weekend. Briarcliffe Entertainment likely aimed for higher returns, but the film’s release a mere 25 days before a contentious presidential election could explain its lackluster reception. With the media already inundated with political discussions, audiences seemed less inclined to immerse themselves in a Trump-centric narrative.
Despite its poor box-office showing, the film is generally receiving favorable reviews, boasting a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 64 on Metacritic. The performances from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong have drawn particular acclaim, showcasing their gripping interpretations of figures close to Trump. Nevertheless, even stellar performances could not entice an audience that may be weary of Trump, in both reality and fiction.
Schrader’s frankness raises an important question: Can a thoughtful portrayal of a controversial figure succeed if viewers are fatigued by the topic? For those who can distinguish between Trump the politician and Trump the character, The Apprentice delivers a compelling and well-performed drama. However, for others, the mere notion of Trump may drive them away, as it did for Schrader.
What are your thoughts? Are you open to watching a film focused on Donald Trump, or have you grown tired of his constant presence?
Schrader’s exit resonates with a broader feeling of “Trump fatigue.” Although The Apprentice could be a good film, its release timing is less than ideal, coinciding with a politically charged election where Trump looms large. I appreciate Schrader’s transparency; sometimes, even a well-made film can become overwhelming if its subject hits too close to home.
