Briarcliff Entertainment Takes a Risk with Acquisition of Controversial Trump Film
In a sea of risk-averse Hollywood executives, Tom Ortenberg and his Briarcliff Entertainment stand out as the wildcatters of the movie business. Their latest gamble? Acquiring “The Apprentice,” a dramatized origin story about Donald J. Trump that has been shunned by most major studios and streaming services.
Despite facing hurdles in the negotiation process, Briarcliff is pushing to secure a deal to release the $16 million film in theaters in the United States this fall, strategically timed close to the presidential election. The move has raised eyebrows in an industry known for playing it safe and avoiding controversy.
Ortenberg, known for championing films deemed too hot to handle by the Hollywood establishment, has a track record of taking risks that pay off. In 2004, he picked up Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” after Disney refused to release it, leading to global box office success. He has also distributed politically charged films like “The Dissident” and “W,” which have found audiences despite pushback.
“The Apprentice” debuted to favorable reviews at the Cannes Film Festival and features a star-studded cast, including Sebastian Stan as Trump and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. The film delves into Trump’s rise in New York real estate and his mentorship by Roy Cohn, with controversial scenes depicting Trump’s alleged assault on Ivana and his use of diet pills.
Despite threats of legal action from Trump and potential backlash from his supporters, Briarcliff remains undeterred in its pursuit of the film. With plans to position the lead actors as Oscar contenders, the company is banking on the film’s provocative subject matter to generate buzz and draw audiences to theaters.
As the industry grapples with the dominance of sequels and the challenges of releasing original dramas, “The Apprentice” presents a unique opportunity for Briarcliff to make a bold statement and defy the conventional wisdom of risk-averse Hollywood executives. Only time will tell if their gamble pays off, but one thing is certain: Ortenberg and Briarcliff are not afraid to take a chance on a controversial story that others have deemed too risky to touch.
