As a longtime political junkie with a soft spot for well-crafted biographical films, I must say that “The Apprentice” has certainly piqued my interest. The performances of Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong are nothing short of extraordinary, transporting us into the world of Donald Trump and Roy Cohn in the 1970s and ’80s.
Production on Ali Abbasi’s film titled “The Apprentice” commenced in 2018 during Donald Trump’s presidency; however, it has only recently been scheduled for release in 2024, just weeks prior to the determination of whether Trump or Kamala Harris will reside in the White House starting January. The film features Sebastian Stan as Trump in the ’70s and ’80s, delving into his career as a businessman and his connection with lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Despite claims that it’s not political, some may question its quality. Here are the critics’ opinions on it.
Regardless of politics, “The Apprentice” has sparked controversy, with Donald Trump himself threatening potential lawsuits over its broadcast and at least one significant investor being said to be enraged by the portrayal of the former president in the final version. Critics, on the other hand, have generally praised it: Katie Walsh from the L.A. Times considers this Sebastian Stan’s finest performance yet, while Jeremy Strong delivers a Roy Cohn that mirrors Dr. Frankenstein realizing he has brought to life a monster. Walsh further remarks:
In the movie, both Stan and Strong’s remarkable portrayals progressively intensify and evolve. At first, Stan subtly hints at Trump’s signature style; as Trump matures, his depiction becomes more distinct, blending elements of [Fred Trump] and Roy. On the other hand, Strong metamorphoses into Cohn: he appears dull-witted and emotionless yet is always in motion, pushing his lean, tanned body relentlessly forward with an intense determination in both business and pleasure. The shocking revelation at the end of the film is that Roy might possess some sense of morality, a surprise because his appetite for power was only surpassed by his pupil’s.
Multiple reviewers have noticed similarities between the dynamics in “The Apprentice” and “Frankenstein”, such as Maureen Lee Lenker of EW, who rated it a B+. The film doesn’t offer new insights into these men, but it remains “engrossing” to observe. Sebastian Stan delivers a subtle performance that steers clear of over-the-top late-night satire, while Jeremy Strong elicits a vigorous F-bomb from the critic, who praises his portrayal so highly.
In the movie, although Stan’s change is impressive, it’s Strong as Roy Cohn who truly steals the show. Known for his Emmy-winning performance as Kendall Roy on Succession, Strong has an uncanny ability to humanize the most morally bankrupt and detestable characters. Despite being one of the most reviled historical figures of the 20th Century, Roy Cohn, Strong manages to evoke sympathy for this man – and honestly, Mr. Strong, I say this with genuine admiration: Bravo for that. Remarkably, Strong delves past the moral decay and corruption of his characters to reveal whatever vestige of humanity they might possess.
Stephanie Zacharek from Time shares a similar viewpoint, remarking that Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Roy Cohn as a sympathetic character is “the most unsettling aspect” of the movie. Ali Abbasi’s cinematic style makes it seem incredibly authentic, according to her critique, as she puts it:
As a dedicated admirer, I find that Abbasi subtly weaves this unique student-teacher alliance with a remarkable sense of calm detachment. It’s evident that certain principles guiding their relationship have already proven beneficial to one specific individual. Abbasi skillfully avoids the need for explicit emphasis, instead opting for a more discreet approach, which I must admit, adds a touch of understated elegance, even if it gives the film a somewhat slower pace in the initial stages. However, the actors are the undeniable stars of this production: Stan convincingly portrays the transformation of Trump from ambitious striver in the 1970s to the self-assured Trump of the 1980s, a man who’s reached his perceived pinnacle and doesn’t hesitate to betray those who helped him ascend, like his first wife, Ivana.
According to Owen Gleiberman from Variety, “The Apprentice” is both pointed and biting in its critique. He believes it accurately portrays Donald Trump’s early business years without resorting to cheap tactics. However, the film fails to delve deeply into the enigma of his transformation into the person he eventually became. Sebastian Stan, on the other hand, is praised as a marvel by Gleiberman, who finds him particularly captivating in this portrayal.
Ali Abbasi skillfully directs The Apprentice using numerous raw, handheld shots that, to my perspective, have a somewhat overly television-like quality, yet they effectively convey authenticity. The setting also contributes significantly; as Trump’s preference for opulent environments grows, the film meticulously replicates each inch of ornate, garish grandeur. Sebastian Stan delivers an exceptional performance that captures Trump’s unique physical mannerisms brilliantly. He convincingly portrays Trump’s lumbering, geeky body language, his imposing stride with hands stiffly by his sides, and also the subtle changes in his facial expressions. Initially, Stan presents Trump with an open, youthful appearance, hinted beneath a mop of hair emblematic of Trump’s fixation, but as the film progresses, that look gradually transforms into a more calculated one.
According to Brian Tallerico from RogerEbert.com, a similar problem arises, and while the film presents an intriguing portrayal of the early growth and nurturing of the character resembling Donald Trump, the latter part of the movie degenerates into snide remarks and mockery. Tallerico awards it 2 out of 4 stars, stating in his review:
The first half has an intriguing concept, and is reasonably well-told, but the second half falls apart due a distinct lack of POV, or much to say about its subject. Writer Gabriel Sherman gets lost in the woods of what we know about Trump, dropping in references and personality quirks like a Marvel writer uses Easter eggs, leaving the whole exercise feeling as hollow as a late-night comedy sketch. Through it all, the performers hold their heads above water, but The Apprentice feels like it ultimately lands on ‘There’s no explanation for this guy beyond greed and capitalism.’ That feels shallow and easy.
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2024-10-11 23:39