As a woman who has spent her fair share of time navigating through the labyrinth of male-dominated industries, I must say that “The Apprentice” movie hits uncomfortably close to home. The transition from dark comedy to unsettling horror is not only jarring but also painfully realistic in depicting the power dynamics and predatory behavior that women often encounter in such environments.
From my perspective as a supporter, there seems to be a certain reluctance among many Americans, including those who voted for him in 2016, to delve into understanding Donald Trump. Unlike our morbid curiosity about the motivations behind serial killers, most Americans aren’t particularly eager to unravel the mysteries of how a New York real estate scion turned into the notorious narcissist and opportunistic tyrant vying for a second term. The TV show “The Apprentice,” directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbassi (known for films like “Border” and “Holy Spider”), sheds light on this question by exploring Trump’s relationship with New York prosecutor Roy Cohn, the man who shaped the monster.
Following his outstanding role in “A Different Man“, actor Sebastian Stan, who is widely recognized as Marvel’s Bucky Barnes, takes on a different character – portraying Donald Trump during the ’70s and ’80s. This span covers Trump’s career, from managing racially segregated family housing in New York City, to his ambitious plans to renovate the historic Commodore Hotel (including the contentious $400 million tax break he obtained from the city), and eventually constructing Trump Tower.
A Strange Comedy About Aggressively Hollow Men
Trump spends only a small amount of time in private company with Roy Cohn, a powerful attorney on the brink of his political fixer phase, who reluctantly decides to represent Trump as a client. Portrayed by Jeremy Strong, Cohn is a ruthless, indifferent mastermind who revels in extorting political figures. Guiding his new protege, Cohn lays down three principles to guarantee continuous victory: always attack, never admit fault or deny accusations, and above all, claim triumph and never acknowledge defeat.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: The first half of “The Apprentice” feels like an extended SNL Digital Short, given its comedic tone with a dark edge. This is largely due to Strong’s captivating portrayal of Roy Cohn, a man who, on the surface, was a staunch conservative and close associate of Senator Joseph McCarthy, but behind closed doors, he held unconventional views about his sexuality. In public, Cohn was known for his virulent homophobia, yet in private, he seemed to believe that his encounters with men were a testament to his advanced masculinity. To put it mildly, Strong’s portrayal of Cohn is nothing short of abrasive – a unique blend of cold, cruel, and self-serving that fits the sinister gay stereotype remarkably well.
Stan portrays Trump as a character with a blank canvas-like quality. He’s undeniably ambitious, but “The Apprentice” reinforces a belief held by many of Trump’s critics: beneath the flamboyant hairstyle and boisterous bravado, there seems to be little substance. The writers, Abbassi and Sherman, come closest to humanizing Trump through his bond with his brother, Fred Jr., an alcoholic pilot for an airline, who was often resented by their father, Fred Sr. (Martin Donovan, delivering a subtle yet powerful performance). Similar to real life, the fictional Trump swiftly brushes off any hints of vulnerability or weaknesses that his relationship with Fred Jr. might reveal.
A Necessarily Unconventional Film
Gabriel Sherman, author of the Roger Ailes biography “The Loudest Voice in the Room,” cleverly chooses an unconventional approach for Abbassi’s biopic on Donald Trump. Given the infamous nature of the subject and his continued relevance, a traditional biopic would likely be perceived as overly compassionate towards someone who appears to lack the capacity for reciprocating kindness.
In essence, “The Apprentice” isn’t attempting to reveal that there might be something deeper to Trump, such as a human being hidden beneath the overly tanned exterior of bones and flesh from his youth. Regardless of his potential compassion, it wouldn’t matter much in today’s context.
From Cynically Funny to Unforgettably Disturbing
Near the midway mark, “The Apprentice” undergoes a startling shift, transforming from a wickedly humorous character examination into a profoundly disquieting horror narrative. As years pass in his marriage to the Czechoslovakian model Ivana (portrayed by Maria Bakalova), Trump expresses his loss of attraction towards her, igniting an intense verbal dispute that ultimately escalates to a shockingly violent and distressing portrayal of a non-consensual encounter.
It’s not entirely surprising, but so far, the choice to avoid portraying Donald Trump’s alleged predatory sexual behaviors lends a bold tone to the second half of the film. The brutal rape of Ivana, as described by the real-life former Mrs. Trump in her divorce deposition, serves as a necessary reminder for the audience – after an hour of cynical laughter – that this man is not merely a typical wealthy jerk; he’s also a man capable of horrific acts.
I can’t help but notice that Donald Trump’s words and actions often have an unexpectedly humorous quality to them, albeit in a very peculiar way. It’s not the kind of humor you’d find in a well-crafted sitcom or a heartwarming dad joke. Instead, I’d say he resides at the more somber end of comedy, similar to gallows humor – the dark, ironic laughter that surfaces when confronting the most grim and unpalatable situations.
The Apprentice Captures the Essence of Donald Trump
Starting from there in the movie, Stan’s portrayal of Trump hardens into the familiar version, and “The Apprentice” gradually transforms into a chilling horror narrative. Certain overly dramatic scenes exhibit a nearly satirical tone that clashes with the ominous atmosphere, but like the rape scene and subsequent shift in tone, this too appears to be deliberate.
Abbassi and Sherman might struggle to identify the personal, empathetic side of Trump (if it exists; it’s concerning to consider that these seemingly inhumane traits could simply be what make him relatable as a human), but they have skillfully encapsulated Trump’s intangible, public persona. Remarkably, “The Apprentice” manages to perform the magical feat of eliciting a particular emotion through the artful blending of cinematic elements.
Experiencing life during Trump’s presidency shares a striking resemblance to watching “The Apprentice” – it’s a blend of laughter and disbelief, as his shameless, harsh self-centeredness seems almost comical and dreamlike. However, the absurdity quickly turns into a harsh reminder of who he truly is. It’s unfortunate that such a figure can be so easily forgotten.
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2024-09-25 03:31