As the highly anticipated film “The Apprentice” hits theaters, all eyes are on Maria Bakalova’s captivating portrayal of Ivana Trump, the first wife of former President Donald Trump. Bakalova, the breakout star of “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” has taken on the challenge of bringing one of the most enigmatic figures in modern American history to life. By all accounts, she has succeeded with flying colors.
The young Bulgarian actress admitted feeling “nervous” about taking on such an iconic real-life character. Still, her dedication to research and immersion in Ivana’s world is evident in every scene. “I knew that she’d been a model. I knew she had a fashion line, an interior design line — any line with her name,” Bakalova shared. “But nothing apart from that. I knew that she was the first wife of Donald Trump, the former president of America, but nothing else.”
However, as Bakalova delved deeper into Ivana’s story, she discovered a woman who was far more than just a “trophy wife.” She was a savvy businesswoman, a hard-working partner to her husband, and a fierce advocate for her equality and independence. “It’s still challenging to demand your position and your equality, even though we’re living in 2024,” Bakalova observed. “That’s been happening since the ’70s, [her] standing up for herself and demanding to be treated equally, to be his equal — not just a trophy wife sitting at home, but work hand-in-hand with him. It’s been a remarkable achievement.”
Bakalova’s performance captures Ivana’s complexity, portraying her as a multifaceted individual whose relationship with Donald Trump was far more than a simple love story. The actress recognized the “throuple” dynamic between Ivana, Trump, and his influential mentor, Roy Cohn, played with unsettling intensity by Jeremy Strong. “It’s like a relationship. It’s like a throuple. You have one human being at home, and you have another one that you’re dealing with as a work relationship, a semi-work relationship. But still, it is a relationship,” Bakalova said.
The film’s depiction of the alleged sexual assault Ivana experienced at the hands of her then-husband has understandably drawn criticism and controversy. However, Bakalova stands by the decision to include this harrowing incident, believing it is crucial to understand the power dynamics at play. “Do I think having it out there is important?” she said. “Do I think it’s a crucial scene for both characters? It is because we see somebody completely dismissing the person who built him in many ways, who gave birth to his children.”
As “The Apprentice” navigates the complex web of Trump’s rise to power, Bakalova’s portrayal of Ivana is a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked women who have shaped the trajectory of American politics. Her nuanced performance challenges the simplistic narrative of Ivana as merely a “trophy wife,” instead revealing a multifaceted woman who was a key player in her husband’s success and a victim of the toxic power dynamics that defined their relationship.
Bakalova’s journey to this role has been far from straightforward. As a native of Bulgaria, she faced skepticism from her agents about her chances of landing such a high-profile part, but her determination and talent ultimately won out. “What I think is important is that [director Ali Abbasi] gave an eastern European a chance to compete,” she said. “To have the opportunity, rather than just playing a prostitute or a crazy Russian scientist or a mobster or somebody that is just in the background with a few lines.”
As “The Apprentice” hits the big screen, Bakalova’s performance is poised to cement her status as one of the most compelling and versatile young actresses working today. Her ability to navigate the complexities of real-life figures, as she did with “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” combined with her nuanced approach to character development, makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Whether “The Apprentice” will influence the upcoming 2024 election remains to be seen. Still, one thing is sure: Maria Bakalova’s portrayal of Ivana Trump will leave a lasting impact on audiences, challenging them to look beyond the caricatures and see the humanity in even the most divisive public figures.