Director: Anthony Baxter
Cast: Michael Forbes, Donald Trump
Rating: (PG)
4 stars (our of 5)
Bellicose billionaire Donald Trump is an easily mocked
figure, with his comedy hair and fanatical insistence that
Obama was born in Kenya, but when he jets into your corner of
the world wanting to impose his version of the good life on the
locals the joke very quickly turns sour.
You've Been Trumped (Rialto) tells the story of Menie
in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It had a dynamic sand dune system
that was classified as being of special scientific interest
and should have been protected from development.
Unfortunately, someone in the Trump organisation had the
brainwave that a lot of Americans travel to Scotland to play
golf.
The fact that they are lured by Scotland's historic courses
did not stop Trump from muscling in on the action. In
fairness to Trump there were plenty of people in Aberdeen
more than happy to play ball with ''The Donald'' but a
stubborn handful of landholders on the edge of the luxury
development refused to sell and found themselves facing the
wrath of a man used to getting his own way.
Director Anthony Baxter takes a fly-on-the-wall approach in
this documentary letting each side's words and actions speak
for themselves. Luckily, for an unwilling subject, Trump is
remarkably free in spouting off at any opportunity.
Best thing: A timely reminder that small cities should beware
property developers bearing gifts.
Worst thing: This covers 2006 to 2010, so a quick
catch-up on recent events at the end would have been welcome.
See it with: A property developer.
- Christine Powley
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