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**Director Ali Abbasi Unfazed by Donald Trump’s Criticism of “The Apprentice”**
In the world of cinema, a filmmaker’s reception can often ride on the waves of public opinion—including controversial figures like Donald Trump. Ali Abbasi, the director of the much-debated biopic “The Apprentice,” recently addressed Trump’s scathing reviews and surprising support in a candid interview on “TMZ Live.” Interestingly, Abbasi doesn’t seem bothered by the former president’s harsh words, rather he welcomes them with open arms as a boost for his film’s visibility and audience engagement.
Abbasi expressed that negative attention is often better than no attention at all. He noted that Trump’s comments on his Truth Social platform, which branded “The Apprentice” a “fake, classless” movie and a “politically disgusting hatchet job,” may just elevate the film’s profile. “Thanks to him, we get better publicity and more people to come watch it now,” Abbasi said, conveying gratitude for the unexpected publicity.
During the interview, Abbasi’s light-hearted response revealed a deeper insight into his perspective. When asked if he would be willing to personally invite Trump and his family to a screening of the film, Abbasi responded affirmatively, stating, “I think he is curious… it would be fun for him and it would be fun for me. We can sit together. Why not?”
Despite the film’s mixed reception and Trump’s disparaging remarks, Abbasi remains optimistic. The director views Trump’s attention as an opportunity for increased viewership. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the hurdles, as “The Apprentice” has earned just over $1.5 million since its release—a less-than-stellar figure for a biopic aiming for more significant impact.
With politics and entertainment often colliding, Abbasi’s invitation reflects a broader trend in the industry where filmmakers navigate criticism and controversy with strategic outreach. Interestingly, Trump’s motivations for critiquing the film could stem from his concerns that it may influence his 2024 presidential campaign. Abbasi, however, seems to appreciate the unfolding drama and its potential benefits for his project.
Overall, Abbasi’s approach to Trump’s biting criticisms underscores a remarkable resilience in the film industry, where sometimes the loudest critiques can bring about the most visibility. Whether or not Trump will take Abbasi up on the offer for a private viewing remains uncertain, but for Abbasi, the dialogue itself is a win. A keen recognition of how public figures can shape narratives, Abbasi is relishing the buzz and looking forward to what lies ahead for “The Apprentice.”
In a climate where every remark counts, Abbasi emphasizes the fine line filmmakers walk amid public scrutiny and how they can cleverly leverage it for success, potentially changing the narrative through engagement rather than retreat. The story of “The Apprentice” is far from over, and with each new Twitter or Truth Social post by Trump, the anticipation for this film may only rise.