The Apprentice – REVIEW

As a movie buff with a penchant for biopics and a keen interest in the world of politics, I must say that ‘The Apprentice‘ has certainly piqued my curiosity. The film takes us on a journey through the early life of none other than Donald Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, who does an impressive job capturing the essence of the real-life character.

In a new film directed by Ali Abbasi, the focus is on the origin story of Donald Trump, who was once known worldwide for his stint as the host of The Apprentice, where he played the titular character. It must have been both humiliating and relieving for contestants to be fired, considering they weren’t selected by a businessman whose casino went bankrupt and who resembles a Toby jug modeled by an inmate at a high-security mental institution. Although Trump is now infamous as a potential sex offender, this film delves into his past.

In the 1970s, Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump who works for his father as a kind of rent collector, but harbors ambitions beyond merely enduring his father’s tenants’ abuse. Aiming to become a significant player, he seeks out the elite New York clubs, notorious for being dens of vipers inhabited by the rich and powerful. It seems like he’s trying to learn from these towering figures by osmosis. And it is here that he manages to insinuate himself into the company of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), an infamous lawyer known more accurately as a monster, who has no qualms about employing any means necessary to win a case. He rules his domain with an iron fist, and there’s a scene in the club where he sits perfectly still, staring straight into the camera – a Kubrick-esque stare that exudes ‘I will consume you’. Trump is captivated by his influence and manages to convince him to take on a case, which they ultimately win using questionable tactics. Instead of charging a fee, Cohn proposes an almost Faustian bargain, and Trump becomes entangled in it.

This gripping tale, penned by Gabriel Sherman, delves into a captivating journey of ascension to power, simultaneously exploring the intriguing twist where the student becomes the master. Both characters are portrayed as monstrous figures, and the foundations for Trump’s contemporary dealings were laid by three strategies from Cohn: 1. Persistently attack, 2. Deny all accusations, 3. Never concede defeat and always claim victory. Trump utilizes these tactics to chilling and disquieting effect as he continues his climb to power, with his first wife, the late Ivana (Maria Bakalova), by his side. However, it’s important to note that the film starts with a disclaimer stating that it is a fictionalization, which may call into question many of the events portrayed, particularly an unsettling scene where Trump allegedly rapes Ivana. This scene is disturbing in nature and was probably unnecessary to include, given that Ivana herself later recanted her claim, and Trump predictably denied it.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the exceptional performances at the core of this film, particularly the intricate portrayal of a father-son dynamic. While Stan may not physically resemble Trump, he embodies his spirit flawlessly. From boasting about his looks to others, comparing himself to Robert Redford one moment, only to undergo liposuction and hair transplants the next, he encapsulates every ounce of vanity.

Initially, Trump, who was already weak in moral and ethical standards, becomes entirely engulfed by Cohn’s corrupting power. Later on, Trump transforms into the figure we recognize today: immoral, unrepentant, delusional, frequently out of his depth, and often tainted with cheap corruption. The screenplay offers many subtle hints that seem like nods to the audience. While The Apprentice might not be the last movie about Trump, it’s the acting that truly stands out and makes the film memorable.

Here’s The Apprentice trailer…..

2024-10-16 02:24

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