The Apprentice Review: The life of Donald Trump, one of the most controversial figures in modern history, has been the subject of endless media coverage, documentaries, and biographies. Yet, a new film by director Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice, offers a fresh perspective on the early years of Trump’s business career, focusing on the 1970s and 1980s—a period in which he solidified his name in the real estate world and began his journey to becoming a public figure. Through the lens of Abbasi’s direction and Gabriel Sherman’s writing, the film presents an unflinching look at Trump’s meteoric rise, revealing the often murky and controversial strategies behind his success. Featuring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as his notorious mentor Roy Cohn, The Apprentice is both a biographical narrative and a critical commentary on American capitalism, ambition, and corruption.
The Apprentice Review
The first half of The Apprentice focuses on Trump’s early career, particularly his efforts to transform the Commodore Hotel in Manhattan into a symbol of his burgeoning empire. It’s in these moments that the film excels, delving into the intricacies of New York’s political and real estate landscapes during the 1970s. Abbasi paints a picture of Trump as someone willing to do whatever it takes to win—whether it’s cozying up to influential figures or bending legalities to secure his deals.
Cinematographer Kasper Tuxen adds to this portrayal by using a grainy, almost documentary-style aesthetic that immerses the audience in the gritty realities of the time. Through smartly interwoven archival footage and meticulously recreated sets, the film captures the mood of a city on the brink of financial collapse and the opportunists ready to exploit it. Trump’s relationship with Cohn is central to the narrative, and the two share some of the film’s most compelling scenes, whether it’s Trump learning how to manipulate city officials or Cohn imparting his ruthless worldview on his young apprentice.
The film’s portrayal of Trump’s dealings, particularly his involvement in questionable financial practices and allegations of racial discrimination in his real estate ventures, reveals the darker side of his rise to power. Abbasi and Sherman are unafraid to tackle these controversial topics head-on, offering a critical perspective on Trump’s business ethics and his ability to skirt accountability. In one scene, Cohn helps Trump navigate a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department for discriminating against Black tenants, a real-life event that marked one of Trump’s first major public controversies.
A Glimpse Into Trump’s Formative Years
The Apprentice opens in the gritty streets of 1970s New York City, a city grappling with economic challenges and urban decay. Here, we meet a young Donald Trump, eager to make his mark in the real estate industry under the shadow of his father, Fred Trump (played by Martin Donovan). This early portrayal of Trump shows him not as the brash, larger-than-life figure known today but as an ambitious, calculating, and somewhat inexperienced businessman. Stan’s performance captures this nuanced version of Trump, a man who is still figuring out how to wield power and influence in a world dominated by ruthless men like Roy Cohn.
Cohn, a lawyer infamous for his role as Senator Joseph McCarthy’s right-hand man during the Red Scare, becomes Trump’s mentor, shaping not only his business practices but also his personal code. Cohn’s three principles—attack, deny, and never admit defeat—become the foundation of Trump’s future dealings in both business and politics. Strong’s portrayal of Cohn is intense and menacing, highlighting the toxic dynamic between the two men. Cohn sees in Trump the perfect protégé: someone with the ambition and audacity to achieve great things but also the moral flexibility to bend the rules when necessary.
The Trump-Cohn Dynamic: A Modern-Day Frankenstein Tale
The second half of The Apprentice takes a sharp turn as the film fast-forwards to the 1980s, with Trump now a rising star in the world of Reagan-era capitalism. The transition, however, is abrupt, and this shift in time creates a disconnect in the narrative. The intricate exploration of Trump’s character development from the 1970s feels incomplete, as the film glosses over key moments in his evolution from an ambitious young businessman to a full-fledged power player.
Despite this, the Trump-Cohn dynamic remains the core of the film’s storytelling. Abbasi draws a parallel between their relationship and the classic Frankenstein tale, with Cohn as the creator and Trump as the monster who eventually outgrows and betrays his maker. By the 1980s, Trump has surpassed Cohn, not just in wealth but in his mastery of manipulation and deceit. As Cohn succumbs to illness (AIDS, which he insists is liver cancer), Trump distances himself from his former mentor, a cold and calculated move that reflects his growing ruthlessness.
The film doesn’t shy away from depicting Trump’s personal life either. His marriage to Ivana Trump (played by Maria Bakalova) is portrayed with all the tumult and tension reported in the tabloids, including the infamous rape allegation that Ivana recanted during their divorce. This scene is one of the film’s most harrowing moments, further complicating the audience’s view of Trump as both a business mogul and a deeply flawed human being.
A Satire, A Critique, or Something More?
The Apprentice is more than just a biographical film; it’s a commentary on the American Dream and the dark underbelly of unchecked ambition. Abbasi’s direction leans into satire at times, particularly in its portrayal of Trump’s excesses—his obsession with wealth, status, and appearance. The film is filled with moments that could easily be mistaken for parody, from Trump’s over-the-top business meetings to his frequent self-aggrandizing monologues. Yet, beneath the humor, there is a serious critique of the capitalist system that allows figures like Trump to thrive, often at the expense of others.
Despite its strong performances and biting commentary, The Apprentice ultimately leaves some questions unanswered. The film struggles to maintain its focus in the second half, jumping from key moments in Trump’s life without fully exploring their significance. Abbasi and Sherman seem hesitant to delve too deeply into the psychological complexities of their subject, opting instead to present Trump as a product of his environment—an embodiment of greed and capitalism without much introspection.
Conclusion
The Apprentice is a bold, provocative film that offers a fresh take on Donald Trump’s rise to power. Through stellar performances by Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, the film sheds light on the darker aspects of Trump’s business dealings and personal life, while also critiquing the systems that allowed him to succeed. While the film falters in its second half, it remains an engaging and timely exploration of one of the most divisive figures in American history. Whether you’re a fan or a critic of Trump, The Apprentice is sure to spark conversation about ambition, power, and the cost of success.