This review was originally published during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Since its announcement,the Donald Trump biopic has had a looming shadow of controversyaround it. Given the former president’s life story, it’s easy to see why folks would be for or against it.The Apprenticepremiered at the Cannes Film Festival to resounding applause. Written by Gabriel Sherman and directed by Ali Abbasi, the story follows Trump’s early career and his quest to expand his real estate under the guidance of lawyer Roy Cohn. While the film is exactly what you’d expect, it comes with stunning performances and an exciting script that enchants with its drama.
The Apprentice Is A Standard Biopic That Informs & Entertains
At the height of economic failure, 1980s New York needed a huge face lift to bring revenue back into the city. Where the government had seemingly failed to provide promising solutions, one man had a vision to transform the Big Apple for long-term benefit.Donald J. Trump (Sebastian Stan), a real estate mogul with vision, was that man with a plan. The only thing stopping him from executing his vision? His father. It isn’t until he meets Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), the cutthroat lawyer with just about every government official in his pocket, that things begin to go his way.
Balancing the serious moments with humorous undertones,The Apprenticeis the kind of biopic that meets expectations with its storytelling and flashiness.
Roy’s 3 rules for success were simple: 1) Attack (X3), 2) admit nothing while denying everything, and 3) claim victory and never admit defeat. Trump quickly adapted these guidelines and even went on to claim them as his own. And while the script adequately showcases how Trump became the man we know today, there’s a subtle sense that this was all Cohn’s doing, absolving him of accountability. It didn’t take long for Abbasi and co-screenwriter Gabriel Sherman to readjust. Luckily, by the end, this feeling subsides based on the way Trump treats people around him in the absence of Cohn’s influence.
Abbasi’s Storytelling Balances Controversy & Humor
As written, the script is bound to stir up some controversy, no matter how you feel about its subject. But one thing’s for certain: This is a damn good movie. Balancing the serious moments with humorous undertones,The Apprenticeis the kind of biopic that meets expectations with its storytelling and flashiness. Where the film calls for more drama and flair, Abbasi doubles down to ramp up the entertainment. He is also careful not to overdo it like most biopics would. Instead, Abbasi caters to viewers who just want to be entertained and informed.
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While the film is often on the nose for delivering the corrupt backstories of its characters, it is the performances that drive home the entertainment. Stan as Trump is simply remarkable. He perfects the speaking tone and facial antics with precision yet holds back enough to prevent a caricature performance. However, the biggest standout for me was Strong as Cohn. How Strong managed to be devoid of human emotion through his eyes is brilliant work. It takes an enormous effort to create a believable character modeled after one of the US’s most notorious public figures. It’s early, butit’s a best supporting actor performance.
A fine feature centered around the rise of a controversial businessman,The Apprenticeturns the biopic genre upside down to present a genuinely worthwhile film. With top-tier performances from Stan and Strong, this is the type of movie you should rush to see, no matter how you feel about its subject. Through appropriately flashy sequences and simple storytelling, Abbasi’s latest offers good insight into Trump’s rise to power. Whether that’ll change your opinion of him isn’t the point, but consider this film a treat thanks to its entertaining structure.
The Apprenticeis now playing in theaters. The film is 120 minutes long and is rated for sexual content, some graphic nudity, language, sexual assault, and drug use.
The Apprentice
Cast
The Apprentice depicts a young Donald Trump in 1970s New York, highlighting his formative relationship with Roy Cohn, a ruthless attorney. As Trump seeks to establish his own legacy, Cohn identifies him as an ideal protégé, drawn to his ambition and determination to succeed at any cost.
