The Apprentice: Ali Abbasi's Bold Take on Donald Trump's Rise to Power

The Apprentice: Ali Abbasi's Bold Take on Donald Trump's Rise to Power (Pics: Discussingfilm.net)

WATCHFILM.BIZ.ID - Ali Abbasi's The Apprentice opens with a disclosure that states the film is partially fictionalized for dramatization. Crafting a movie about one of the world's most infamous business mogul-turned-politicians, Donald Trump was bound to be challenging. 

From his controversial tenure as the 45th President of the United States to his involvement in the January 6th insurrection and multiple ongoing indictments, the world is no stranger to Trump. 

The opening disclosure of The Apprentice likely serves a legal purpose, as Trump has already tried to halt the film's release in the U.S. with a defamation case. Ironically, the “partially fictionalized” label sets an expectation for a more fearless and provocative film than The Apprentice actually delivers.

Plot Overview

Set in the early 1970s, The Apprentice follows a young Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan) who is eager to step out of his father Fred Trump's (Martin Donovan) shadow while working at the family’s real estate business. 

Donald is poised to take over the empire, which manages racially segregated middle-class housing in New York City's outer boroughs. In his mid-twenties, with high ambitions and a seemingly approachable demeanor, Donald introduces himself to the infamous lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong) at a members-only club. 

Cohn becomes Trump’s legal representative, and their professional relationship quickly evolves into a mentorship. Trump soon adopts Cohn’s motto: “Admit nothing, deny everything.”

Amidst his business endeavors, Donald pursues Czech model Ivana Marie Zelníčková (Maria Bakalova), even following her to Aspen, Colorado, for a dinner date. As Donald mingles with America's elite, including artist Andy Warhol and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, his demeanor changes. 

He morphs into a younger, more domineering version of Cohn, complete with the iconic orange-tinged skin and hyperbolic speech. The student becomes the master, and a monster is born.

Performances and Direction

The film's standout element is its casting. Sebastian Stan, known for his versatile roles, delivers a nuanced performance as young Donald Trump. Avoiding the caricature that many Trump impersonations fall into, Stan captures the gradual transformation of Trump into the figure known today. 

Initially, it is difficult to see Stan’s Trump as the man we recognize now, but as the plot unfolds, his metamorphosis into a more recognizable and sinister character is both intentional and effective.

Jeremy Strong, as Roy Cohn, leaves a lasting impression. His portrayal of the stoic, hard-edged lawyer who eventually reveals cracks in his facade towards the end of his life is compelling. Maria Bakalova, despite having a lesser role, brings empathy to her portrayal of Ivana Trump, showcasing the emotional turmoil she endures.

Director Ali Abbasi, known for his work on The Last of Us, strives to inject political relevance into his films. However, The Apprentice could have been more impactful had Abbasi leaned more into this political charge. 

The film's release coinciding with Donald Trump's re-election campaign adds a layer of complexity and controversy, yet it risks giving Trump more attention than he already commands.

Screenplay and Cinematography

Gabriel Sherman, a political journalist making his screenwriting debut, aims to present a more empathetic side of Trump. Known for his biography on Fox News founder Roger Ailes, Sherman crafts a script that initially humanizes Trump before revealing his darker traits. 

However, the screenplay offers little new insight into Trump’s character, presenting a narrative that is familiar to most viewers.

Cinematographer Kasper Tuxen captures the era’s essence effectively. The visuals transition from the grainy warmth of the 1970s to the static greys of 1980s camcorders, mirroring Trump’s evolution. 

Despite some issues with sound mixing that need addressing before its U.S. release, the film's visual storytelling remains strong.

Critical Reception

While The Apprentice provides a cautionary tale about Trump’s rise, it falls short of being a daring biopic. The film’s reluctance to delve deeper into Trump’s impact on the political landscape results in a somewhat complacent portrayal. Abbasi and Sherman’s attempt to humanize Trump while exposing his flaws results in a narrative that doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.

The film’s strength lies in its performances. Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and Maria Bakalova elevate The Apprentice beyond an average biopic, making it worth watching for their portrayals alone. However, the film could have benefited from a bolder approach, aligning more closely with Abbasi’s own statement about making movies political again.

Conclusion

The Apprentice offers a glimpse into the early life of Donald Trump, highlighting his rise through ambition and manipulation. Despite its strong performances and visual style, the film’s cautious approach limits its impact. 

As the world continues to grapple with Trump’s influence, The Apprentice serves as a reminder of his complex and controversial legacy.

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