‘The Apprentice’: A Cautionary Tale About Power and Influence

The new film The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi, takes viewers on a compelling journey through the formative years of Donald Trump, depicted by Sebastian Stan, and his mentor, the infamous attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. With its U.S. release just weeks before the 2024 election, the film is a noteworthy exploration of political beginnings set against the rich tapestry of New York City in the late 20th century.

The relationship that shaped an era.

A Glimpse into the Past

The film paints a portrait of ambition and moral ambiguity that transcends mere biopic standards. Viewers witness how Cohn, known for his ruthless tactics, imbued Trump with a distinct set of survival instincts and aggressive strategies that would later characterize his public persona. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Cohn’s influence shapes Trump from a young real estate mogul into a figure of polarizing notoriety.

Director Ali Abbasi describes the film not as a political hit piece but as an intricate study of character and the psychological transformations wrought by fame, power, and mentorship. “I urge audiences to see it with an open mind,” Abbasi remarked during the film’s premiere in New York, barely a stone’s throw from Trump Tower.

The Art of Manipulation

Through compelling storytelling, writer Gabriel Sherman provides a detailed account of the operational tactics that Cohn instilled in Trump, including the rudimentary rules that would cast a long shadow over Trump’s rise: Attack, attack, attack. Admit nothing, deny everything. Always claim victory, never admit defeat. These principles resonate throughout Trump’s career, and the film meticulously catalogs how they morphed from abstract lessons into devastating realities, especially in the realm of politics and media.

The narrative reaches a pivotal moment during a birthday celebration at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, where the relationship between mentor and protégé becomes chillingly apparent. After delivering a bombastic toast that leaves Cohn visibly shaken, the evocative imagery of a flag-themed birthday cake’s sparklers reflects the turmoil beneath the surface—a young man confident in his delusions of grandeur wreaking havoc on democracy itself.

An uneasy celebration underscores a fraught relationship.

Transformations in Style and Substance

Cinematographer Kasper Tuxen plays a pivotal role in conveying the fluctuations of time and ethos, employing various film formats to parallel Trump’s ascent through the Manhattan social scene. The contrasting aesthetics of gritty 1970s New York evolve into the brash and gaudy magnificence of Trump’s later life. These stylistic choices serve not only as a backdrop to the unfolding drama but as a mirror reflecting Trump’s transformative journey from a hopeful novice into an emerging titan detached from the consequences of his actions.

Performances That Resonate

Both Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong deliver performances that are rife with nuance and complexity. Stan’s portrayal captures Trump’s awkward charm and entitlement, highlighting a character whose confidence grows more malignant as the narrative progresses, reinforced by a growing sense of paranoia stemming from his mentor’s shadow. Strong’s Cohn is a multidimensional figure, part father, part villain, whose eventual realizations of his own influence reflect a hidden conscience struggling against a façade of invincibility.

A Nuanced Perspective on Power

While some may argue that the film offers a sanitized portrayal of its controversial subject, it undeniably crafts a detailed exploration of how the right personality, background, and guidance can yield unfathomable results. The film subtly navigates the complexities of human character and the volatility of power, as fortunes and personas ebb and flow within the hallways of Manhattan’s elite.

“It’s essential to see how he became the man he is today,” remarks former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who attended the screening, offering insight into Trump’s development in the financial and political arenas. Cohen noted that Trump’s reactions will hinge largely on media responses. “If the reviews are scathing, he will respond,” he stated, hinting at the inevitable public fallout that could follow.

The interplay of power and drama in American politics.

Watching with a Critical Eye

As The Apprentice resonates with audiences this October, it challenges viewers to confront complex questions about morality, ambition, and the manipulative tactics that permeate both business and politics. While Abbasi insists that the film offers no explicit judgments, he beckons viewers to contemplate the implications of Trump’s teachings in a contemporary context, especially as America approaches another pivotal election year.

In summary, The Apprentice is not merely a recounting of a politician’s rise but a cautionary tale about the dark undercurrents birthed from misguided charisma and unchecked ambitions, disguised behind the sheen of success. As the narrative peels back the layers of Trump’s character and those around him, it reveals a stark warning about the paths that we allow ambitious figures to tread.

As Cohen aptly puts it, “The film offers a new perspective.” This perspective forces audiences to reconcile their views on a controversial figure whose legacy continues to shape the political landscape.

The Numbers Thus Far

• Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)
• MPA Rating: R (for sexual content, some graphic nudity, language, sexual assault, and drug use)
• Running Time: 2:00
• Release Date: In theaters Oct. 11

The discussion around The Apprentice is sure to ignite debate among viewers, paving the way for a retrospective on Trump’s formidable influence, both in the past and concerning future elections.