Introduction: A Controversial Story of Ambition and Power
The Apprentice (2024), directed by Ali Abbasi, presents a unique and controversial perspective on Donald Trump’s formative years as a business mogul in the 1970s and 80s. This biographical drama dives deep into Trump’s mentorship under the ruthless attorney Roy Cohn, offering a chilling glimpse into the making of a future U.S. president. The film, based on a screenplay by Gabriel Sherman, has stirred strong reactions, both for its bold narrative and powerful performances by Sebastian Stan (Trump) and Jeremy Strong (Cohn).
In this review, we will delve into the film’s plot, characters, visual style, and direction, comparing it to other political dramas while reflecting on its overall impact and value as a film.
Plot Overview: Trump’s Rise Under Roy Cohn’s Shadow
The plot of The Apprentice follows a young, ambitious Donald Trump in 1970s New York, struggling to emerge from his father Fred Trump’s shadow. His life takes a decisive turn when he meets Roy Cohn, a notorious attorney known for his ruthless methods and political connections. Cohn becomes Trump’s mentor, teaching him three core principles that would shape his approach to business and life: “Attack, attack, attack,” “Admit nothing, deny everything,” and “Always claim victory.” These rules guide Trump as he navigates the murky waters of New York real estate and ultimately shape his worldview and rise to power.
The film’s turning point occurs in the 1980s when Trump reaches the height of his power, and Cohn, now dying of AIDS, begins to realize the monster he has created. In a scene reminiscent of Dr. Frankenstein’s horror at his creation, Cohn witnesses Trump’s insatiable hunger for success and power, symbolized by a grotesque birthday celebration at Mar-a-Lago. Here, Trump’s disregard for morality and ethics becomes chillingly clear, and Cohn’s dawning horror adds a layer of tragic complexity to the film.
Character Analysis: The Dynamic Between Trump and Cohn
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its character development, particularly the dynamic between Donald Trump and Roy Cohn.
Sebastian Stan’s Trump: Stan delivers an exceptional performance, portraying Trump’s transformation from a young, ambitious businessman into a ruthless mogul. Early in the film, Trump is depicted as eager, almost naïve, as he tries to please his domineering father. However, as he adopts Cohn’s ruthless methods, we witness his evolution into the controversial figure we know today. Stan captures Trump’s charisma, hubris, and moral ambiguity with subtlety, avoiding caricature.
Jeremy Strong’s Cohn: As Roy Cohn, Strong brings a magnetic intensity to the role. Cohn is manipulative, cunning, and utterly without scruples, but Strong also imbues him with a sense of tragic complexity. His performance stands out, especially as Cohn’s health deteriorates, and he begins to realize the consequences of his mentorship. The chemistry between Stan and Strong elevates the film, making their scenes together both riveting and unsettling.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Tale of Two Eras
The Apprentice is visually striking, capturing the essence of both 1970s and 1980s New York. The film’s cinematography, led by Kasper Tuxen, employs different formats to reflect the changing times. The gritty, grainy Super 16mm film stock used for the 1970s sequences gives the movie a raw, authentic feel, reminiscent of archival footage from the era. This aesthetic shifts in the 1980s to a more stylized, analog video look, underscoring Trump’s rise during the glitzy, excess-filled decade.
The contrast between the dim, cloistered interiors of Cohn’s world and the gaudy, golden spaces that Trump inhabits symbolizes their differing perspectives and ambitions. As Trump rises, the film’s visuals become brighter and more ostentatious, reflecting his growing obsession with power and wealth.
Themes and Messages: The Making of a Monster
The central theme of The Apprentice is the creation of power and its corrupting influence. Through Trump’s relationship with Cohn, the film explores how ambition, manipulation, and a disregard for morality can breed success in a system that rewards such behavior. In many ways, Cohn is portrayed as Trump’s Dr. Frankenstein, molding him into a creature driven by greed, ego, and an insatiable desire for victory at any cost.
The film also touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and legacy. Trump’s fraught relationship with his father Fred (played by Martin Donovan) adds emotional depth to the narrative, revealing the psychological forces that drive him. Meanwhile, Cohn’s downfall and Trump’s eventual abandonment of his mentor illustrate the cold, transactional nature of their relationship.
Comparisons: A Political Drama with Shades of The Wolf of Wall Street
In tone and style, The Apprentice shares similarities with films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Vice. Like Wolf, it portrays the rise of a morally dubious figure in a way that is both entertaining and unsettling. The film’s depiction of Trump’s brash, larger-than-life persona and his cutthroat business tactics recalls Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort in Wolf. However, where The Wolf of Wall Street leans heavily into satire, The Apprentice maintains a more serious, dramatic tone.
Compared to Vice, which focused on Dick Cheney’s political rise, The Apprentice is less overtly political. Instead, it centers on Trump’s personal and business life, though the implications for his later political career are clear.
Direction: Ali Abbasi’s Bold and Unapologetic Vision
Ali Abbasi’s direction in The Apprentice is bold and unapologetic. He doesn’t shy away from controversial moments, such as the depiction of Trump’s alleged rape of Ivana Trump (played by Maria Bakalova) and his cosmetic surgeries. Abbasi’s decision to avoid heavy-handed political commentary allows the film to stand on its own as a character-driven drama, though it inevitably invites political interpretation.
The film’s pacing is tight, with a runtime of just over two hours. Abbasi balances intense character moments with visually dynamic sequences, ensuring the film remains engaging throughout. His ability to evoke empathy for complex, morally flawed characters is commendable, though some viewers may find the film’s depiction of Trump too sympathetic.
Final Verdict: A Gripping, Thought-Provoking Film
The Apprentice is a gripping, thought-provoking film that offers a fascinating look into the forces that shaped Donald Trump. With stellar performances, particularly from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, and a visually striking style, the film is both entertaining and disturbing. While some may take issue with its portrayal of Trump, it undeniably succeeds in painting a complex portrait of power, ambition, and the costs of success.
If you’re a fan of political dramas or character-driven films, The Apprentice is a must-watch. It’s not just a story about Trump, but a broader cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power.
Where to Watch The Apprentice (2024): Find out here
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