A Deeper Look into ‘The Apprentice’: Ambition and Morality in the Shadows of Manhattan

Sebastian Stan has long shed the skin of his Marvel persona, Bucky Barnes, and with each new role, he reveals the multifaceted actor beneath. In 2024, audiences have been treated to two standout performances from Stan, one of which is in The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi. This gripping film sees Stan portraying a young Donald Trump, weaving the narrative back to a time before the public figure became the controversial force he is today.

Capturing the essence of ambition and manipulation in ‘The Apprentice’

Encountering Cohn: Rising Influence and Power

The film centers around Trump as he strives to garner respect and acknowledgment from his affluent family. An unexpected encounter with Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong, sets the stage for an intense exploration of corruption and morality. Cohn, infamous for his ruthless legal maneuvers—particularly during the Rosenberg case—introduces Trump to a world defined by intimidation and coercion.

As the dialogue unfolds, the film reveals the familial tensions Trump experiences—most notably, his father’s legal troubles stemming from allegations of racial discrimination against tenants. Cohn’s narrative serves as a textbook lesson in manipulation, showing Trump how to navigate the complexities of power by any means necessary. This dark partnership leads Trump down a path where familial loyalty is eventually overshadowed by an insatiable thirst for power.

Cohn and Trump: A Complicated Duel

The chemistry between Stan and Strong is electric and often evokes comparisons to the dynamic between Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta in the classic film Goodfellas. Just as in that iconic narrative, the mentor-student relationship is fraught with betrayal and moral unraveling. Strong’s portrayal of Cohn is layered; he embodies a chilling figure who plays every situation to his advantage, manipulating those around him with calculated precision.

“Cohn is, as it were, playing chess while everybody else is playing checkers,” observes a key critic of the film. His chilling blend of charisma and menace is expertly contrasted by Stan’s portrayal of a more vulnerable Trump, who initially seeks to please his family but ultimately succumbs to Cohn’s dark influence.

The transformation of Trump’s character is palpable, shifting from familial devotion to an unsettling ambition that mirrors the very aspects of Cohn’s ideology that he initially resisted.

Power dynamics take center stage in ‘The Apprentice’

Cinematic Execution: A Faux Documentary Style

Beyond the performances, the film’s cinematography deserves accolades. Abbasi employs a visual style that blurs the lines between a biopic and a documentary, immersing viewers into the authentic atmosphere of 1980s New York City. The film’s aesthetic is gripping, with visuals that often feel like snapshots from the era, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama.

However, the film has sparked meaningful discussions about its bias and the implications of its release timing, coinciding with a politically charged election season. Critics point out that while the film aims to serve as a contemporary examination of Trump’s rise, it also leaves viewers questioning whether it achieves its intended thought-provoking message or merely reinforces existing biases.

An Ambiguous Legacy

Ultimately, The Apprentice presents a layered narrative that entices viewers with its raw performances and gripping storytelling. While it does not completely succeed in delivering a groundbreaking message on morality and ambition, it provides an engaging peek into a complex chapter of American history.

As audiences decide whether to embrace or critique this cinematic portrayal, it’s clear that the film’s strengths lie in its character-driven drama and the performances of Stan and Strong. If you’re curious about the foundations of ambition and unethical maneuvering, The Apprentice offers a compelling journey into a bygone era that continues to resonate today.

Rating: 3/5

For film enthusiasts looking for a thought-provoking watch this season, it may well be worth checking out.

Conclusion

Though The Apprentice stumbles in its ambitions to provoke profound reflection, it undoubtedly captivates with powerful performances and an intriguing narrative. Consider exploring this film to witness not just a character but a broader conversation about ambition, morality, and the shadows they cast in the pursuit of success.

The vibrant yet haunting backdrop of 1980s New York City

As the season unfolds, it is essential to consider how films like The Apprentice shape our understanding of historical figures, and whether they succeed in fostering critical dialogue on their legacies.