A new biographical film about Donald Trump's early career is causing a stir in theaters across the nation.

USA TODAY reported on the contentious release of "The Apprentice," a biopic directed by Ali Abbasi that portrays the rise of the young Donald Trump in the New York real estate world.

The film, which hit theaters just weeks before a crucial U.S. election, has already drawn threats of legal action from Trump's campaign team. "The Apprentice" focuses on Trump's relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn and his transformation into a ruthless business tycoon.

Based on research by political journalist Gabriel Sherman, the movie explores the mentor-mentee dynamic between Cohn and Trump, suggesting it played a crucial role in shaping Trump's future persona and tactics.

Trump's Relationship with Roy Cohn Explored

The film depicts the initial meeting between Trump and Cohn in 1973 at an exclusive Manhattan club. This encounter is historically accurate, as Cohn did indeed represent the Trump family in a housing discrimination lawsuit soon after.

Sherman, who wrote the screenplay, suggests that the relationship between Trump and Cohn had multiple layers. He describes it as having a father-son dynamic, but also hints at a potential homoerotic subtext, based on his research into Cohn's personal life.

The movie portrays Cohn as being emotionally affected by Trump's marriage, adding a complex dimension to their professional relationship.

Ivana Trump's Role and Allegations of Abuse

"The Apprentice" also delves into Trump's marriage to Ivana Zelníčková, whom he met in New York in 1976. The film showcases Ivana's business acumen and her growing prominence within the Trump Organization, which reportedly led to tension in their relationship.

One of the most controversial scenes in the movie depicts an alleged sexual assault by Trump on Ivana. Sherman states that this scene is based on a court deposition given by Ivana during their 1990 divorce proceedings. However, it's important to note that Ivana later recanted this allegation in 2015.

Sherman defended the inclusion of this scene, stating:

I couldn't stand behind a movie that didn't explore Trump's misogyny. I needed the film to engage with that, and this scene is the most powerful and visceral way. Sexually assaulting somebody you love is such a transgression. Dramatically, it showed the depth to which Donald Trump had sunk at that point in the story.

Personal Tragedies and Professional Betrayals

The movie also touches on personal aspects of Trump's life, including his reaction to the death of his older brother, Fred Jr.

While the film's portrayal of Trump's subsequent depression is a dramatic interpretation, it's based on Trump's own statements about regretting not doing more to support his brother.

"The Apprentice" concludes with scenes depicting the deterioration of Trump and Cohn's relationship. The film shows Trump distancing himself from Cohn as the latter was dying from AIDS complications, a detail that Sherman claims is based on historical accounts.

Sherman quotes investigative reporter Wayne Barrett:

Trump distanced himself from Roy as he was dying from AIDS, and Wayne quoted Roy saying, 'I can't believe he's doing this to me. Donald pisses ice water.'

Controversial Cosmetic Procedures Depicted

In its final moments, the film shows Trump undergoing cosmetic procedures, including liposuction and a hair transplant. These scenes are based on claims made by Ivana Trump in her divorce deposition, though they remain unverified.

Sherman describes these scenes as a "visual metaphor of the Frankenstein monster," representing the final transformation of Trump into the public figure we know today.

The release of "The Apprentice" has ignited heated discussions about the line between historical dramatization and potential defamation. Trump's campaign has threatened legal action against the filmmakers, calling the movie "pure malicious defamation."

As the film continues to spark debate, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, media, and personal history in shaping public figures. The controversy surrounding "The Apprentice" underscores the ongoing fascination with Trump's past and its potential impact on current political discourse.