If you’re like me, you are sick and tired of hearing about Donald Trump, so I don’t blame you if you stop reading this review right now.
If you’re still around, director Ali Abbasi‘s film “The Apprentice” provides an intriguing exploration of Trump’s formative years, focusing on his relationship with the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn. While the narrative doesn’t offer a whole lot of new insight with its character study, it does reveal many of the reasons Trump grew into a ruthless, narcissistic, and dangerous man, diving into the details of how Cohn wielded his powerful influence to shape him into the businessman we know today.
Set in the high-stakes world of 1970s New York, the film tracks Trump’s (Sebastian Stan) early forays into real estate as he struggles to escape his father’s shadow. Cohn (Jeremy Strong), with his cutthroat tactics and legal prowess, becomes a mentor figure, teaching Trump how to navigate the murky waters of wealth and influence through intimidation, deception, and media manipulation. (You know the whole MAGA mantra about “fake news?” Blame Cohn). This is a story that highlights the darker sides of ambition and power, and it certainly doesn’t paint a very flattering picture of either man.
The storytelling is straightforward and timely, but doesn’t break new ground; its the lead performances that stand out here. Strong captures Cohn’s blend of charisma and menace, and Stan embodies Trump’s lunkheaded demeanor while conveying a raw ambition and eagerness to succeed. Their dynamic is electric, and the two actors work so well together. Neither of their performances feel like caricatures, and that’s a testament to their talent in their craft.
Based on true events, the film underscores familiar themes about power and corruption that’ll make any sane persons blood boil (especially given what we all know now). Abbasi and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman certainly embellish some of the facts (the film’s opening credits disclaimer says as much), which makes it entertaining if not entirely accurate. However, the fact that Trump himself has reacted with anger, threatened lawsuits against the studio and director, and attempted to ban the film serves as a testament to its accuracy and relevance.
In that regard, I feel like “The Apprentice” succeeds in what it likely set out to do: effectively capture the essence of a pivotal time in Trump’s life. The film also illustrates how the mentorship of an influential counselor shaped a young, ambitious man into one of the world’s most contentious public figures.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 