With Trump being re-elected as the 47th President of the United States, it brings into question the man himself – who he is and how he became one of the most ambitious and ruthless figures today.
Director Ali Abbasi pulls back this curtain on Trump. Delivering an unflinching, and frankly terrifying, account of his ascent. We witness a young Trump (Sebastian Stan) be transformed by the cut-throat mentorship of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), a relentless prosecutor who hammers in him an unswerving, win-at-all-costs mentality. As it goes on, it becomes more akin to a horror film, as we see Trump’s ambitions and cunning unfold right in-front of us.
When Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong are on screen together, the film is at its strongest, and unfortunately when they are not, at its weakest. Their riveting but unsettling dynamic, essentially carried the film.
Sebastian Stan as Trump is horrifyingly mesmerising. He perfectly embodies Trump’s unsettling charisma and bravado, all while nailing his subtle mannerisms and speech patterns without it feeling too much like a parody.
That said, the stand-out performance is Jeremy Strong, delivering yet another remarkable portrayal as yet another character called Roy (Succession fans rejoice). Chilling, and calculating, Jeremy Strong captures the essence of a man who taught Trump the art of wielding power without any mercy or second thoughts. When Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong are on screen together, the film is at its strongest, and unfortunately when they are not, at its weakest. Their riveting but unsettling dynamic, essentially carried the film.
The aesthetics are also something to be marvelled at. The film is stylish. It perfectly encapsulates each of its eras, particularly the 1980s. The camera and cinematography, while simple, is elegant. It embraces a ‘punk rock’ aesthetic with its analogue look. From the towering high-rises, neon lights, and the cold atmosphere, the film looks and feels iconic. Combine that with the music, and The Apprentice has corporate New York to a T.
Unsurprisingly, Trump expressed extreme disdain for the film. Yet that’s all the more reason to go out and see it. The Apprentice offers a rare and controversial glimpse into the forces that shaped Trump and how he transcended them. This film is a must-watch, and with the upcoming Trump presidency, who knows if we could ever see something so daring and bold on the 47th President again.
