The Apprentice

The first part of this biopic is excellent. Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump is very good. He accurately portrays Trump's ambitious drive as well as the naivete of a young man not sure how to bring those ambitions to fruition. Then Trump meets Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), the evil legal genius who advises him on how to fight the federal government's charges on racism in Trump's father's real estate empire. Cohn then helps him with other legal matters including getting property tax relief. Those parts of the movie are interesting and compelling with great performances by both Sebastain Stan and Jeremy Strong. In addition, Martin Donovan as Fred Trump and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump are excellent. But then the movie rushes into the mid-1980's without much exposition or explanation. That is when the movie was a letdown for me - the time period is given short shrift by writer Gabriel Sherman as if he didn't know where to go after the interesting parts of the story with Cohn encouraging Trump's narcissism, angry rhetoric and avarice were over. And by the end of movie, you will almost feel sorry for Cohn when he realizes that he has created an even worse monster than himself. I think the movie could have been better as a mini-series (with some better writing), but I would still recommend it for the standout performances of Sebastain Stan and Jeremy Strong.

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.

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...

"The Apprentice" doesn't hold back. It doesn't try to be objective or find nuance where there is none; instead, it dives headfirst into the rise of a young Donald Trump, portraying him as a man shaped by manipulation, lack of scruples, and relentless ambition. This isn't a traditional biopic-it's a reconstruction of how his mindset was forged, leading him to become a figure who would later leave a profound mark on American politics.

Sebastian Stan takes on the challenge of portraying Trump without resorting to caricature or exaggerated imitation. His performance is unsettling because he captures not just the speech patterns and mannerisms, but also the calculated opportunism that defines him. Alongside him, Jeremy Strong plays Roy Cohn, Trump's mentor and a pivotal figure in his development. Strong's presence is magnetic, making it clear that Cohn's influence was instrumental in shaping Trump's worldview.

Ali Abbasi directs with a firm hand, avoiding unnecessary embellishments. The film works as a stark examination of corruption, power, and the dangerous alliances that can transform an individual into a media monster. It's a raw depiction that makes it clear that impunity and cynicism are essential tools in the world it portrays.

If The Apprentice has a flaw, it's that it doesn't always delve deeply into the psychology of its central character. It presents the events but sometimes lacks a more detailed analysis of his inner motivations. However, the emotional impact is undeniable.

In the end, the film accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: it unsettles. There is no redemption, no unexpected twists-just a stark exposure of a transformation where anything goes in the pursuit of power. If you already despised Trump before watching, by the end, that feeling will have only intensified.

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.