The Apprentice Review: Sebastian Stan’s Donald Trump Drama Is A Chilling Yet Slightly Uneven Feature

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As a film critic who has spent the better part of my adult life immersed in the complexities and nuances of cinema, I must say that “The Apprentice” is a compelling piece of work that offers a unique perspective on two influential figures of our time: Donald Trump and Roy Cohn.

Making a film about Donald Trump isn’t likely to be simple, since maintaining balance is crucial when trying to appeal to a broader audience, regardless of personal opinions on the man. This is something to consider when watching director Ali Abbasi’s “The Apprentice,” as it successfully tackles the theme of Trump’s rise to power in the 1980s without taking sides excessively. Although it doesn’t delve as deeply as some might prefer, it also doesn’t sugarcoat events that are part of history. This approach results in compelling performances but leaves the narrative feeling somewhat disjointed at times.

The Apprentice (2024)

Launch Date: 11th October, 2024

In the TV show “The Apprentice,” character Sebastian Stan, portraying Donald Trump, transforms from a wealthy newcomer in late 1970s New York City into someone on the verge of co-authoring “The Art of the Deal” in the mid-’80s. This climb to success coincides with the downfall of Roy Cohn, a well-known lawyer, who provides guidance to ensure his client acquires the necessary lessons to reach the pinnacle of success. The political figure, Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, becomes increasingly significant in this narrative.

Using that portrayal, one could argue that this image is essentially a different rendition of “A Star is Born.” However, what sets “The Apprentice” apart from its fictional counterpart is the fact that it showcases real individuals and incidents. This unique blend of reality makes the film intriguing for both supporters and critics alike.

The Apprentice isn’t a hit piece on Donald Trump but an origin story of how he became the man he is today.

One challenge in creating a movie about Trump’s legacy is that there’s an abundance of historical events to cover, but the most recent sources are often the most appealing. In this case, the film The Apprentice focuses on Trump’s early days as a power player in Manhattan. By narrowing the main narrative to Cohn’s downfall and Trump’s rise, the storyline becomes more structured and coherent. This choice to concentrate on this specific part of their lives allows directors Ali Abbasi and writer Gabriel Sherman to effectively tell the story without deliberately portraying either man as evil or heroic.

This choice may fall short of those anticipating a fiery political declaration or a favorable account that sugarcoats the facts. However, in the grand scheme of things, it’s the most prudent course for this project, avoiding unnecessary controversy from either end of the political spectrum.

In The Apprentice, Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong’s acting abilities, combined with period-specific film stocks, create a compelling transition that resonates in modern-day New York City. The visual style evolves from a raw, documentary-like feel to a TV-ready VHS aesthetic, symbolizing the subtle yet impactful handover of power depicted in the story.

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong’s powerful, but poignant, performances anchor the slightly unfocused drama.

In today’s complex societal and political situation, some might perceive that “The Apprentice” could present a straightforward educational narrative, seasoned with an appealing style to keep viewers engaged. However, distancing the show from Donald Trump’s era lends itself to a more creative interpretation, as it allows for the inclusion of humorous foreshadowing and chilling premonitions.

In this production, vivid images of excess are contrasted with meticulously arranged interviews, creating a nuanced atmosphere. The main actors from the film, particularly Sebastian Stan, contribute significantly to this effect. His physical transformation and vocal training in portraying Donald Trump are not just superficial imitations but a thoughtful depiction. As we follow his journey through the different eras depicted, Stan’s acting skills leave a lasting impression, demonstrating his ability as a serious and versatile artist who prefers understated nuances over dramatic flair.

In a more casual rephrase, here’s how you could put it: Jeremy Strong gets ample opportunity to play Roy Cohn with flair at the start of the story since that’s where Cohn is in his life at the time, according to this approach. The character of the prosecutorial bogeyman begins at the peak of his powers, and as Strong’s portrayal evolves, so does Cohn’s decline. This dual narrative arc showcases the balance between rise and fall, which is a recurring theme in the storytelling.

In terms of a saga primarily focusing on the mentor-protégé dynamic, “The Apprentice” appears to falter slightly in its initial stages. The presence of Ivana Trump (portrayed by Maria Bakalova) introduces an inconsistent and somewhat peripheral narrative flow, despite her performance being equally compelling as her male counterparts. However, Bakalova delivers standout moments, such as a pivotal conversation with Jeremy Strong at Mar-a-Lago. Unfortunately, this narrative thread primarily seems to be included to accommodate a scene involving sexual assault.

In simpler terms, that particular scene isn’t just added for no reason; it aims to illustrate the transformation in Donald Trump from his time on The Apprentice until now. However, compared to the narrative about Roy Cohn replacing Trump’s family as his ethical guide, the portrayal of Donald and Ivana’s relationship doesn’t seem as significant a subplot.

The Apprentice isn’t going to change anyone’s minds on Donald Trump, but it does make for compelling viewing.

When Martin Dirkov’s synth-heavy score signals the end of “The Apprentice,” you know the film isn’t going to sway anyone’s opinions on Donald Trump. Instead, director Ali Abassi’s work is inspired by historical facts and its main aim is to depict Trump’s rise to power, with a focus on Roy Cohn’s instrumental role in that ascent.

This tale is strongest when it stays focused on its central theme, showcasing two historically contentious figures in poignant moments of weakness. These scenes are not designed to evoke pity but rather serve the narrative that revolves around Trump and Cohn during their transition period. In a unique blend, The Apprentice can be seen as an intriguing tragedy, combining the ’80s-inspired ambition found in Scarface with the origin story of Frankenstein. However, it’s important to note that, for those who have lived through the last eight years, its conclusion is dramatically different.

From my perspective as an avid fan, “The Apprentice” isn’t just a reflection of our current times; it serves as a powerful critique of the man who yearned for global dominion and the mentor who stoked his insatiable ambition. Depending on your viewpoint, you might label it a cautionary tale or a triumphant portrayal, but the final judgment lies with the audience. The series stands as a testament to history, leaving the interpretation up to each viewer.

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2024-10-15 23:37