The Apprentice

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.

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...

Movies have been taking wild swings lately and I'm here for it. Megalopolis was a lovely mess, Joker 2 was messy without being lovely (but it took risks I guess), Terrifier 3 genuinely made me nauseous (I slept poorly last night because I also saw it last night), and now The Apprentice goes to some insane places. There are a couple of points where I wondered "are they allowed to show that?" I was shocked.

The shocking scenes generally have a purpose. I think the film's argument is presented without much subtlety, but I guess some people still think Jordan Belfort's cool based on The Wolf of Wall Street, so who knows. Then again, there is one very alarming scene in this though that feels like it's there to say unequivocally what the filmmakers think of Trump's character. It will be the most controversial scene. Will Trump sue? Has he begun that process already? There is also a lack of follow-up to that scene that left me even more uneasy and upset. I think that was the intent. Some people will not like it - people who both like and dislike Trump - and I wonder if it'll make The Apprentice this year's Blonde.

The writing lays things on thick in The Apprentice, and I don't think it quite knew how to end, but I otherwise found this engrossing. The three leads - Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and Maria Bakalova - are phenomenal. Juxtaposing Trump's rise with Roy Cohn's fall was an inevitable angle to take, but it makes for extremely compelling drama. It is a blunt movie but there is some nuance in parts that I think will provoke discussions and/or arguments. I don't always love provocation, but when it feels purposeful and is backed up with good filmmaking, I'm on board. This film's going to stick in my mind for a while.

I saw this at a premiere screening and was blown away. The story is well told and accurate, which was refreshing. It was a reasonable portrayal of a fascinating man. What really got me was the acting. Sebastian Stan was phenomenal. He nailed Trump's mannerisms, and yet never fell into a caricature.

Jeremy Strong did a fantastic job of portraying Roy Cohen. The only thing that didn't quite land for me was that the character of Roy Cohen was presented as somewhat sympathetic and not as sinister and psychopathic as he actually was (not Strong's fault - that was the script). Other than that, an excellent and thought-provoking biopic.