The Apprentice: A Look at Trump’s Rise, But Is It Entertaining?

Director Ali Abbasi’s “The Apprentice” isn’t your typical biopic. Instead of a sweeping, cradle-to-grave story, Abbasi dives headfirst into the brash, fast-paced world of 1970s and 1980s New York City real estate, where a young Donald Trump is just starting to make his mark. Sebastian Stan steps into the infamous comb-over with an uncanny resemblance, capturing both the raw ambition and surprising vulnerability that would propel Trump into the public eye. 

Walking into “The Apprentice,” I braced myself for a two-hour political diatribe. Thankfully, the film avoids such easy condemnation. Stan’s portrayal is chillingly believable, but not a caricature. We see the flashes of ruthlessness that would become Trump’s trademark, honed under the relentless pressure of his demanding father, played with icy brilliance by Jeremy Strong. However, there are moments where a flicker of doubt or insecurity crosses Stan’s eyes, hinting at the man beneath the bluster.

Abbasi doesn’t shy away from capturing the era’s glitz and excess. The soundtrack throbs with a disco pulse, the clothes are a parade of outlandish fashion, and the deals are made over extravagant champagne brunches.  It’s a world that’s both fascinating and repulsive, a gilded cage that Trump both embraces and struggles to fit into. The production design meticulously recreates the opulent offices and lavish parties, transporting the audience back to a time of unchecked ambition and conspicuous consumption.

 

There are moments of genuine humour, often unintentional.  Stan perfectly captures Trump’s awkward attempts at social graces, his malapropisms landing with a cringe-worthy thud that elicits nervous laughter from the audience.  This is particularly effective in scenes where Trump attempts to woo the New York social elite, with his brash demeanour clashing hilariously with their established social order. However, the laughter often feels hollow, a nervous release from the underlying tension that permeates the film. 

The film falters slightly in its pacing. While the first half crackles with energy, driven by Trump’s meteoric rise and the cutthroat world of New York real estate, the second half feels a bit bogged down. We see Trump’s transition from ambitious developer to media darling, his name plastered across buildings and tabloids. However, the focus on the minutiae of specific deals can leave the audience feeling a bit lost in the weeds, especially those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the New York real estate market. 

“The Apprentice” is strongest when it delves into the psychological underpinnings of Trump’s personality. We see his desperate need for approval, particularly from his father, and his constant need to be seen as a winner. There’s a scene where a young Trump throws a tantrum after a reporter questions the feasibility of one of his projects. It’s a chilling glimpse into the man who would become incapable of admitting defeat, foreshadowing the future political battles he would wage. 

 

The film also explores the complex relationship between Trump and his mentor, Roy Cohn, played with a chilling intensity by Strong. Cohn, a ruthless lawyer known for his no-holds-barred tactics, becomes a dark reflection of Trump’s own ambitions. Their interactions are some of the film’s most captivating, a masterclass in manipulation and power dynamics.

Some might criticise the film for not offering enough social commentary.  However, Abbasi takes a more nuanced approach. By simply showing us this ambitious, flawed young man navigating the world of New York real estate, he allows the audience to draw their own conclusions. We see the seeds of what would become a political phenomenon being sown, the confluence of ambition, insecurity, and a media landscape hungry for a larger-than-life personality.

Ultimately, “The Apprentice” is a fascinating, though sometimes uncomfortable, watch. It’s not a hagiography, nor is it a hit piece.  It’s a portrait of a man on the cusp of greatness, a man whose ambition and unique personality would forever alter the course of American history.  Stan’s performance is a revelation, capturing the essence of Trump with a captivating mix of arrogance and vulnerability. Abbasi’s direction is both stylish and insightful, recreating the era and its excesses while delving into the psychology of a man who would become a lightning rod for controversy. While the film’s pacing could be tighter, it’s a thought-provoking and ultimately unsettling look at the making of a very unique public figure.

Whether you’re a political junkie or simply fascinated by the psychology of power, “The Apprentice” is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a film that raises more questions than it answers, prompting introspection about the societal forces that propel such figures to power and the media’s role in shaping public perception.

 

However, the film isn’t without its detractors. Some may find the portrayal of Trump too sympathetic, humanising a man whose actions have divided the nation. Others might argue that focusing on Trump’s early career takes away from the impact of his later policies. These are valid points, and the film is certainly open to interpretation. Ultimately, “The Apprentice” is a conversation starter, a spark that ignites a deeper discussion about the rise of populism and the complexities of the American character.

It’s also important to acknowledge the film’s technical merits. The cinematography is crisp and stylish, mirroring the fast-paced energy of the era. The editing is sharp, keeping the narrative moving without sacrificing character development. The costume and set design are particularly noteworthy, transporting the audience back to a time of gaudy opulence.  The film is a treat for the senses, even though the subject matter itself can be unsettling.

The supporting cast deserves recognition as well. Jeremy Strong delivers a chilling performance as Roy Cohn, perfectly capturing the lawyer’s ruthless ambition and manipulative nature. Other actors, like Jessica Chastain, who portrays a complex socialite caught in Trump’s orbit, add depth and nuance to the narrative.

“The Apprentice” is not a perfect film. The pacing issues and the lack of explicit social commentary might leave some viewers wanting more.  However, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Stan’s transformative performance, Abbasi’s insightful direction, and the film’s exploration of a fascinating and troubling figure all contribute to a memorable cinematic experience.

 

Final Verdict

“The Apprentice” is a must-see for anyone interested in American politics or the psychology of power. It’s a film that avoids easy answers, prompting reflection and discussion. While some may find it unsettling, it’s a necessary film, one that sheds light on a pivotal moment in American history. Stan’s performance is a revelation, and Abbasi’s direction is both stylish and insightful. With its exploration of ambition, insecurity, and the media’s influence, “The Apprentice” is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.