The Apprentice: A Scandalous Trump Movie at Cannes

The Apprentice premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and it’s already making headlines.

The film, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by journalist Gabriel Sherman, tells the story of Donald Trump’s rise in 1970s and ’80s New York through the prism of his relationship with Roy Cohn. The movie features a standout performance by Jeremy Strong as Cohn, which could earn him an Oscar nomination.

One of the most unsettling moments in the film comes when Strong’s Cohn takes Trump, played by Sebastian Stan, into a room where he secretly records phone calls. With darkness in his intense eyes, Strong’s Cohn explains how he orchestrated the death penalty for Ethel Rosenberg, a convicted Soviet spy. The scene is chilling, and Strong’s performance is masterful.

The film explores Trump’s relationship with Cohn, who teaches him his rules of life: Attack, deny, and don’t admit defeat. Stan’s portrayal of Trump is also impressive, capturing the nervous energy of a young man trying to make a name for himself.

As the plot jumps ahead to the ’80s, we see the power dynamic shift between Trump and Cohn. Stan’s Trump becomes more recognizable, with his hair thinning and his ego growing out of control. Meanwhile, Cohn’s health begins to falter, and his power wanes.

The movie falters when it strays from the central relationship between Trump and Cohn. The script can be heavy-handed at times, but whenever Stan and Strong are on screen together, the film comes alive.

Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump

It’s unclear when The Apprentice will be released, but it’s unlikely to be a game-changer in the upcoming election. However, if it enters the Oscar race, Strong and Stan could make a strong showing.

Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn

The film is a fascinating exploration of Trump’s psyche during his formative years. With Strong and Stan’s performances, The Apprentice is a magnetic and unsettling portrayal of two complex figures.

Donald Trump and Roy Cohn