The Apprentice - The Trump Story

I didn't see Sebastian Stan as Trump, I was thinking that putting a silly wig on someone's head doesn't make them look like him (see SNL sketches for that), but Stan _felt_ like Trump. He studied and evolved the mannerisms, not as a caricature, but as an artist and in the end did a great job. Consider that this is a film that takes place between 1973 and 1986, so he started with tiny little face expressions and then made them more and more pronounced as the movie went along.

Yet even with that performance, I think Jeremy Strong stole the show, as Trump's mentor and first lawyer Roy Cohn. He got an Oscar nomination for it and lost it to Kieran Culkin, who did a good job, too, but didn't wow me as much as Strong's stuff.

The film presents the evolution of Donald Trump from a young man trying to get from under his overbearing father to a successful business man. Also his involution from a person who cares, can fall in love and appreciate people to a cheap disloyal scumbag who can't say something true if his life depended on it. In that sense it was a political hitjob, because you can't see this film and appreciate Trump unless you're some sort of psycho. But that aside, this was a pretty good biopic, which surprised me.

I didn't expect this to be a good film: too many things to cover, too dangerous to get on someone's bad side and a lot of pressure. And still it was well done, well acted and almost subtle in its presentation. I wouldn't tell my friends to watch it, because of its subject, but as a movie it was darn good, especially the acting.

I went into this movie without knowing much, it just popped up on my radar on opening night, so I had to check it out. I expected some tension at the theater, but there wasn't any, which was a relief. Overall, I didn't get any political vibes from the film. As for accuracy, I can't say for sure, but in America's current climate, what is truly accurate anymore?

The acting was phenomenal. Some actors and production team members will likely pick up awards, if not the movie itself. The story was decent, not overly exciting, but interesting because the main character was once the President, and everyone has some opinion about him. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into his life. A lot of it felt grounded in reality, though who really knows. It didn't seem far-fetched, but there were definitely some cold, crazy moments.

Essentially, it's about how Trump became Trump, which isn't inherently interesting, but the draw is seeing a revealing look at such a private figure. Private in the sense that we never really know if what he says is true. In fact, that is one of his mantras according to the film. The movie didn't impact my political views, but I recommend checking it out, if only to support a crew that took a risk with a film bound to get backlash.

I don't really get who this movie is for. If you like Donald Trump, why would you watch this? The Apprentice depicts the worst version you could imagine of Trump, if one is to take the film's presentation as all based in fact. If you dislike Donald Trump, why would you watch this? I can't imagine someone who hates Trump choosing to spend 2 hours with Trump in the context of a film. I think this movie came out at the absolute worst possible time and would've been better suited for years or decades down the road. Though it doesn't offer much kick, it offers a dark and relevant portrait of the minds of those able to game the US in their favour. The movie doesn't attribute any grand or personal motivations to their pursuits for power. But I think that may be true about power hungry people: they're just empty, clawing and climbing because they don't know what else to do with themselves. It's an interesting portrait of Trump because it doesn't sensationalize, just lets you sit with how pathetic he is. Shows you what he wouldn't want you to see which is the careful construction of a personality that he markets as authentic. Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong are both excellent here. Stan embodies Trump from a much deeper place than an impression would give, and Strong is calmly terrifying with his zombied eyes. The movie works because of these performances.

Sebastian Stan's portrayal of a young Donald Trump is so compelling that it effectively immerses the audience in the character, making it easy to forget that he is an actor. His precise use of body language and facial expressions contributes significantly to the authenticity of the characterization.

Jeremy Strong's performance as Roy Cohn is exceptional, showcasing a commanding screen presence that often eclipses that of the protagonist. His portrayal has not only captivated audiences but also successfully garnered him a new fanbase, which still would be an understatement of the impact his role has had.

Maria Bakalova's portrayal of Ivana Trump effectively captures the audience's attention whenever she appears on screen. Her nuanced performance brings depth and authenticity to the character with ability to convey both strength and vulnerability - transforming what could have been a weak link in the cast into a strong fit that enhances the overall dynamics of the ensemble.

Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally, and Ben Sullivan deliver outstanding performances as strong supporting pillars, ensuring that the narrative remains cohesive. Their contributions create a compelling backdrop that enhances the overall storytelling, making it impossible for the audience to overlook their presence.

Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan deliver a powerful performance as a duo, leaving a lasting impact that lingers well beyond the film's conclusion. Their portrayals skillfully illustrate the transition of power dynamics from Roy Cohn to Donald Trump, showcasing their equal mastery in navigating this complex evolving relationship with remarkable finesse and equal depth.

Ali Abbasi captures the essence of 1970s and '80s New York through meticulous direction and a keen eye for visual detail. His use of muted tones and warm hues evokes the gritty yet vibrant atmosphere of the era, while dynamic camera movements and carefully framed shots immerse the audience in the city's streets and intimate settings. This blend of realism and stylization authentically portrays not only transports viewers back in time but also highlights the emotional and social complexities of life in New York during this transformative period, creating a film that resonates with nostalgia and offers a fresh historical perspective.

Sum up - "The Apprentice" presents a captivating fusion of upbeat humor and thrilling narrative elements, engaging viewers from beginning to end. The sharpness in direction ensures a dynamic pacing that maintains audience interest throughout. Additionally, the visual aesthetics not only complement the narrative but also enhance the emotional resonance of the story, drawing the audience deeper into the film's atmosphere.

Character development is handled with care, offering relatable figures whose interactions evoke both humor and depth. This multifaceted approach allows for an emotional connection that elevates the narrative, making the film both entertaining and meaningful.

Overall, "The Apprentice" stands out in its genre as an upbeat and engaging film, skillfully combining humor with thrilling elements. These compelling combinations ensure that audiences are not just passive observers but active participants in the story, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for what lies ahead. As a result, "The Apprentice" emerges as a memorable film that resonates long after the credits roll.

The film's director said in a recent interview that he wasn't sure if this film would enhance or detract from Donald Trump's reputation...

Having watched it, I'm not sure either...

I was initially attracted to this film as an MCU fan. Donald Trump is played by Sebastian Stan who is Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier in Marvel films. He does not disappoint as the US President to be...

The movie certainly starts off by making Trump look more human than perhaps he or some of the media have in the last few years...

How he's changed by the apprenticeship under Roy Cohn & the money & the power is certainly one of the themes...

The shots of him in the 80's that are made to look grainy like 80's TV are a nice touch...

If I have one criticism (which is why I gave it a 7) it is that the screenwriter didn't seem to know how to end it...

But it's worth watching just to see how well Donald Trump, Roy Cohn & Ivana Trump are portrayed... and how they are developed through the film...