The Apprentice
A Glimpse into the Making of a Monster.
Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice takes on the formidable task of exploring a defining decade in Donald Trump's early career, shedding light on the beginnings of the arrogant, ruthless, and deceitful man who would eventually rise to power. Rather than presenting a grand biopic or a moralistic tragedy, Abbasi opts for a more restrained and intimate portrayal of Trump’s formative years. This focus on a brief but significant period in Trump's life allows the film to delve into the personal and psychological nuances that shaped him, capturing the nascent traits of the ruthless businessman and tragic political figure we now know.
The film’s strength lies in its decision to spotlight only a decade of Trump’s life, focusing on how he was mentored by Roy Cohn, a brutal lawyer who served as Trump's example of how to succeed at any cost. Where Cohn, despite his cruelty, showed some appreciation for loyalty and human connections, Trump seems to absorb only the most merciless lessons: deny everything, attack first, and never admit fault. Abbasi effectively captures this transformation, making it clear that Trump’s moral compass was broken from the start.
Though Jeremy Strong brings depth to Cohn’s portrayal, the film belongs to Sebastian Stan, who delivers a shockingly perfect performance as a young Trump. I have to admit, I’ve always considered Stan to be a fairly mediocre actor, never expecting him to pull off a role of such complexity. His portrayal goes beyond mere mimicry of Trump’s well-documented mannerisms; he captures the essence of the man behind the media caricature and SNL sketches. His command of Trump’s voice, body language, and behavior is so uncannily accurate that it’s easy to forget you’re watching an actor at all. Stan’s Trump is a figure of both fascination and repulsion, and it’s this performance that gives the film its most biting edge.
In the end, The Apprentice is not a film designed to sway staunch supporters of Trump or offer a complete character study. Instead, it provides a cold and brutal look at the birth of a monster. For viewers who see Trump for what he truly is—a lying, selfish, power-hungry tyrant—this film serves as a stark reminder of just how dangerous he always was. Abbasi's film doesn’t seek to convert Trump’s supporters, but for the rest of us, it’s a chilling wake-up call. If Trump himself were to watch this, it might feel like a slap in the face, forcing him to confront the truth of who he really is—though he’d likely continue to deny it, because... rule number one.
7/10
