A dive into the underbelly of the American empire. It charts a young Donald Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.
The Apprentice is a somewhat unsettling biographical drama that delves into the rise of Donald Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, and his relationship with the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, the film takes audiences through Trump's formative years as a real estate mogul in the 1980s, while simultaneously painting a portrait of American greed, power, and corruption.
From the outset, The Apprentice sets the tone with its gritty, almost documentary-like recreation of 1970s and '80s New York. The yellowish hue and grainy texture of the film evoke the era so convincingly that viewers are transported back to a time of crumbling city streets and decadent excess. Cinematographer Kasper Tuxen’s work here is nothing short of brilliant, and this immersive quality gives the film a raw and analogue aesthetic that mirrors the chaos of the period. The film's look is striking, giving the impression of watching real footage, making the transition from Trump's early days of ambition to his later years as a powerful, unapologetic capitalist all the more jarring.
The film's strength lies in its portrayal of Trump and his interactions with the key figures in his life, particularly Roy Cohn. Cohn, a corrupt and cunning lawyer with a sordid past—including his involvement in the Rosenberg trials—is depicted with chilling precision by Strong. The relationship between Trump and Cohn is central to the story, and as their interactions unfold, it becomes clear that Cohn moulds Trump into the figure we recognise today. Cohn’s infamous life lessons—"attack, attack, attack," "deny everything," and "never admit defeat"—are philosophies that Trump adopts with fervour. It is through this mentor-student dynamic that The Apprentice explores the psychology behind Trump’s rise to power, though it often focuses more on the mechanics of his ascension than on his personal evolution.
Stan’s performance as Trump is unexpectedly nuanced. At first glance, Stan may seem like an odd choice to play Trump—he is too charming, too handsome. Yet, over the course of the film, Stan subtly transforms into the man we know, adopting Trump’s trademark verbal tics, arrogance, and bravado. His portrayal captures a man who, despite fleeting moments of insecurity, is driven by an insatiable desire for attention and self-aggrandisement. Stan refrains from falling into the trap of mere impersonation; instead, he delves into the core of Trump’s character, illustrating his shallow yet increasingly monstrous persona. By the film’s conclusion, the viewer barely recognises the young, ambitious man from the opening scenes, as Trump’s trajectory leads him to become an embodiment of unchecked power.
Cohn’s character is equally captivating. Strong delivers a chilling performance, embodying the malevolent cunning of a man who thrives on manipulation and deceit. Cohn is portrayed as a mentor with sinister motives, seeing in Trump a protégé he can shape in his own image. The film suggests that Cohn’s teachings extend beyond the boardroom, influencing Trump’s personal relationships as well. His courtship of Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova), for instance, is marked by a predatory quality. Trump is depicted as initially fawning and attentive, but once he has "won" her, his interest wanes—a reflection of his inability to value anything outside of himself.
While the performances are undoubtedly the film's greatest strength, the narrative itself has limitations. The Apprentice presents a gripping first half, carefully charting Trump’s early years and his close association with Cohn. However, the film's second half feels rushed, as it abruptly jumps to the late 1980s when Trump has already become a dominant force in New York real estate. This leap in time glosses over significant aspects of Trump’s development, leaving viewers to fill in the gaps between his early ambition and his eventual rise as a political and business heavyweight. The shift in focus away from Trump’s personal psychology weakens the film’s latter half, as it offers little insight into his internal transformation during these crucial years.
Abbasi’s direction also leans heavily on broader themes of corruption and moral decay in America, which at times dilutes the personal narrative. The film doesn’t just explore the rise of Trump but uses him as a symbol of the broader systemic issues that plague the American political and financial landscape. Trump’s ascent is framed not as an anomaly but as a product of a system designed to reward those who are willing to cheat, lie, and manipulate their way to the top. This is a tale not only about an individual’s corruption but about a society that enables and even celebrates it.
Yet, for all its strengths, The Apprentice leaves viewers wanting more depth in its exploration of Trump’s character. The film presents Trump as a man driven solely by greed and a lust for power, but it offers little psychological insight beyond that. His transformation is largely attributed to Cohn’s influence, but the film doesn’t delve into the personal complexities or deeper motivations that might have shaped Trump’s worldview. This makes for a somewhat one-dimensional portrayal of its central figure, which may leave some audiences feeling unsatisfied, particularly in light of the film's ambitious scope.
Moreover, the film’s narrative lacks a clear conclusion. While Cohn's death provides a somewhat fitting end to his arc, Trump’s story feels incomplete. This is, of course, reflective of the reality that Trump’s rise continues in the political sphere, but it nonetheless leaves the film feeling unresolved. The story ends with Trump poised on the brink of further power, yet the audience is left without a satisfying denouement to his journey within the confines of this film.
Despite these narrative shortcomings, The Apprentice succeeds in being both captivating and unsettling, thanks largely to the powerhouse performances of Stan and Strong. Strong, in particular, steals the show with his portrayal of Cohn as a morally bankrupt figure who sees in Trump a means to extend his own influence. His ability to deliver lines dripping with malevolence while maintaining a casual, almost elegant demeanour is a testament to his talent. Stan, too, shines in a role that could easily have fallen into caricature but instead becomes a thoughtful examination of one man’s transformation into a symbol of American excess.
In the end, The Apprentice offers a gripping, if flawed, portrayal of Donald Trump’s rise to power. The film’s focus on corruption, power, and the dark side of the American dream resonates long after the credits roll. It may not provide all the answers about its central figure, but it does offer a fascinating glimpse into the forces that shaped him—and the society that allowed him to thrive.
The Apprentice will be released in NZ cinemas on October 10, 2024
Classification: TBC
Runtime: 120 minutes