Blacklisted

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Alongside the unveiling of the 97th Academy Award nominations, a wave of controversies has surfaced regarding the nominated films. Ranging from inflammatory comments made by actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who stars as Emilia Pérez, to misinterpretations about Brady Corbet’s film “The Brutalist” and its application of AI, there’s been a lot of chatter in the media. In the case of “The Apprentice”, it is Jeremy Strong’s concern that the lack of dialogue surrounding the movie is troubling. He plays Donald Trump’s mentor Roy Cohn in the film, for which he has received a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Alongside fellow Oscar-nominated actor Sebastian Stan, the film has faced numerous obstacles in its journey towards distribution and promotion.

In a feature for GQ, Strong openly discussed his character as the cunning lawyer who significantly influenced Trump’s political and power strategies. Originally slated for release in 2018, the film titled “The Apprentice” faced multiple setbacks, including writer’s strikes and Trump’s legal team attempting to halt production. Unfortunately, these issues led to the movie’s premiere during the reelection year, which was not the initial plan.

Regarding distribution, Strong expressed disappointment over the blacklisting of the film, as this trend among studios hinted at potential future obstacles:

It’s disappointing that the studios, whom you can easily identify, decided against releasing this movie. This isn’t because the film lacks quality, but rather due to fear of potential backlash and perhaps internal opposition. It was chilling, giving off a sense of foreboding, like a subtle, sneaky form of censorship, hinting at more ominous developments in Hollywood. The industry failed to demonstrate much bravery in this instance.

Jeremy Strong Sees ‘The Apprentice’ as a Horror Film

Due to multiple alterations in the release date for The Apprentice, it’s almost serendipitous that a movie focused on Donald Trump is coming out close to his re-election. In view of the current circumstances, the film has taken on a more chilling significance for Strong, who told GQ:

As a passionate cinephile, I find the film has evolved into an unsettling horror for me. Its impact now carries a chilling depth, making each viewing a harrowing experience… Essentially, the movie has taken on a more terrifying quality for me. In the movie, I quote Roy Cohn’s words, “This is a nation of men, not laws.” I believe that in today’s world, we are putting this statement to the test, as we witness its implications unfolding before our eyes.

It’s inspiring to hear Sebastian Stan share his perspective about the struggles in bringing the movie “The Apprentice” to life. It’s impressive to see creators like these two stand firm for a film they passionately support, along with the messages and cautions it carries. Notably, both Strong and Stan received Oscar nominations for their roles in this film, which may encourage more people to explore a production initially kept under the radar to avoid portraying influential political figures negatively. You can now stream “The Apprentice” on various digital platforms such as YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime Video via the link provided below:

Watch The Apprentice

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2025-02-14 08:02