The Apprentice Review: More than just a Trump movie
A sharp, gripping look at the forces that shaped Donald Trump, The Apprentice unpacks ambition, mentorship, and the price of power.
Synopsis
This biographical drama, directed by Ali Abbasi, who I knew for Holy Spider (2022), digs into the early days of Donald Trump, focusing on his time as a young real estate developer trying to make it big in New York City. It focused on Trump's rise and ambition within that high-stakes environment. Mainly focused on his relationship with Roy Cohn, an infamous, controversial lawyer who became his mentor.
The film explores Cohn's ruthless methods that became the blueprint for Trump's own strategies regarding power, negotiation, and manipulating the media. It’s presented as an origin story centered on a deeply impactful, and morally dark, mentorship.
What I Liked
Jeremy Strong is outstanding as Roy Cohn – It's no shock that Jeremy Strong, known for his dedication, gives a powerful performance here. He truly captures Cohn's manipulative personality and his deep understanding of how to wield power.
Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Trump is grounded and interesting – Stan does a great job showing Trump's unique personality traits and relentless ambition. Importantly, he achieves this without making the character feel like a caricature or parody.
The film's style is intense and raw: This movie presents the morally gray methods used during Trump's rise. It shows the gritty reality beneath the surface of success and presents a complex figure, not just a simple villain.
Captures the gritty vibe of old New York: Through excellent production design and cinematography, the film successfully immerses you in the atmosphere of 1970s/80s New York, including its gritty, excessive, and sometimes disturbing elements.
What Could Be Better
Lack of Deeper Insight into Trump’s Mindset – The film effectively shows what Trump does but rarely delves into his inner thoughts or motivations. While this approach makes sense, it feels unusual for a biopic, leaving me wanting more on understanding his personal evolution.
A Split Narrative Focus – The film juggles two major threads: Trump’s mentorship under Roy Cohn and his rise as a power figure. While both are compelling, the balance feels off. Since Trump’s public persona is already well-known, the mentorship aspect had the potential to offer fresh insight—but the film struggles to blend the two, leading to a somewhat abrupt conclusion.
Missed Opportunity in Exploring the Social Context – The film clearly showcases Trump’s ambition, but it glosses over his impact on New York’s development. Early on, his drive to reshape the city is framed as a key motivator, yet this theme fades as the story progresses, leaving an unexplored layer of his influence.
My Insight
This is not a classic political biopic. "The Apprentice" feels like a study on power, influence, and how a public character is made. It exposes the idea that personalities like Trump don't just appear, they're shaped by mentors, moments, and the environments they explore. Regardless of the political side you’re on, this movie is a fascinating character study and a tale about ambition and ethical compromises. Watching Cohn teach Trump in manipulation feels particularly relevant today, making it likely a thought-provoking watch.
Rating⭐ 7.5/10
An exciting well-acted exploration at the forces and events that shape Trump rising.
Extras
Movies and a Series on Power and ambition
The Social Network (2010) Dir. David Fincher
Vice (2018) Dir. Adam McKay
Wall Street (1987) Dir. Oliver Stone
The Founder (2016) Dir. John Lee Hancock
House of Cards (2013) Created by Beau Willimon, The first two episodes were directed by David Fincher
For Discussion:
The film really positions Roy Cohn as central to shaping Trump. But it makes you wonder: Was Cohn's mentorship the single biggest influence? Or were other powerful forces – like the legacy and pressure from his father, or simply the ruthless environment of New York in the 80s – just as crucial in forging Trump's public and political style?
It raises the question: How much are we defined by our connections and surroundings? This film suggests that even for someone incredibly determined, external influence and manipulation can play a huge role in shaping who they become.
Technical Details
Release Date: 2024
Director: Ali Abbasi
Screenwriter: Gabriel Sherman
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova
Genre: Biographical Drama
Rating: R
Duration: 122 minutes
Where to Watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
This seems very interesting, I did not hear anything about this movie until I saw this on your substack.. That said I no longer trust any politician, so I am not expecting to learn anything new at this point in my life. But the actor's portrayals might be worth the price of a ticket.