As soon as the premiere of The Apprentice: The Trump Story at this year’s Cannes Film Festival ended, its creators received a call from Donald Trump’s lawyers to pull the film from theaters. No one on Trump’s team saw him at the time, and it’s ironic because this movie is exactly how the ex-president was raised to use such sharp legal tactics.
It is not known at this time if Trump has seen the film by Iranian director Ali Abbasi since then. I doubt he would like him. But that doesn’t mean The Apprentice is too harsh on the Republican ex-president running again.
The Apprentice is really trying to tell the Trump story. It begins to follow him in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a young and somewhat confused man helping his father manage real estate. They try to psychologize the approximately 25-year-old Donald in a relatively friendly way.
Even in the scene where Trump personally collects the rent from the poor residents of his father’s buildings, he is not portrayed as an over-the-top monster bordering on caricature – that comes later. Let’s put aside the fact that Trump has probably never knocked on the doors of tenants with bills in hand like this. A certain degree of dramatization is inevitable in biographical films, and the creators of The Apprentice will definitely take even greater cinematic license in the later stages of Trump’s life.
“When you watch The Godfather, you don’t ask if the movie is for the mafia or against the mafia,” explains screenwriter Gabriel Sherman about his motivations for making the film. From the first seconds of the film, it is clear that he and director Ali Abbasi are on to something else. After all, he’s not making a documentary. There are more stories about Trump than you’ll ever need, and the makers of The Apprentice want to provide a fresh perspective on Trump.
Coming up with an unscrutinized point of view on quite possibly the most media-exposed person of the past decade is not an easy task. But the creators of The Apprentice are no newcomers, especially the screenwriter Sherman has years of experience – he primarily contributes to Vanity Fair magazine, but to most people he is known as the author of the ten-year-old book The Loudest Voice in the Room, which charts the rise American conservative cable Fox News.
His book was made into a Showtime movie five years ago, in which Fox pioneer Roger Ailes is played by a heavily disguised Russell Crowe. The dramatization of Trump’s life is then quite a logical next step for Sherman.
The Apprentice movie wouldn’t work without the excellent Sebastian Stan (Avengers, Me, Tonya) in the lead role. Both the actor himself, director Abbasi and his cameramen have studied available archive footage of Trump from the 1970s and 1980s in great detail and imitate them faithfully. You’ll no doubt forget for a moment that you’re looking at an actor while you’re watching — after all, Sherman, who has seen Trump in person many times, said this happened repeatedly during filming.
Photo: Cinemascop
How Trump Became Trump
The presence of Jeremy Strong (Succession) is no less important for the film. He plays the character of the unscrupulous lawyer Roy Cohn, who is somewhat secretive to most of the public. The Apprentice is the name of Trump’s famous reality show, but the current film does not refer to it. This English word means “apprentice”. And someone has to teach that. Abbasi’s film is primarily about how Roy Cohn raised Trump into the person he is today.
Cohn is an incredible character who deserves his own movie – and several documentaries i played about him already exists. He became famous at a young age as part of the most famous and still controversial espionage trial in the United States of the 1950s. He subsequently rode the wave of Senator Joe McCarthy’s fight against communism and homosexuals in government.
When Cohn’s stint ended tragically—quite possibly because of his own secret same-sex relationship—he found his place as a bridge of power and extortion between the worlds of New York politics and the mob. Then getting to know the Trumps was inevitable. Cohn looked up to young Donald, took him under his wing and taught him every dirty trick he knew.
It is Cohn’s mentorship that is the main story line of The Apprentice, and during it you can watch how the unflappable Trump, modeled after the always tanned Cohn, becomes the always orange, always unscrupulous person you know from today’s TV screens.
Different versions of reality
While Stan and Strong’s acting may make it difficult, it’s good to keep in mind while watching that you’re still watching a live-action movie, and that the filmmakers are all about a fresh and entertaining take on Trump’s psychological arc.
This means that it sometimes commits certain distortions. The most obvious is the thickening of the plot of the 1980s at the end of the film, when the lines of Cohn’s aging and Trump’s expansion into the world of gambling in Atlantic City, plagued by all kinds of problems, are intertwined. Controversy was sparked by the inclusion of a scene during which Trump rapes his then-wife. Although Ivana Trump alluded to a similar incident during the divorce proceedings, she later denied everything – although the question is for what reasons.
All stories shown are based on real statements. Yes, they are often contradicted by Trump and his entourage. However, the ex-president often contradicts reality, and if you didn’t include things he denies in a film about Trump, you probably wouldn’t be able to film anything at all.
With a personality that’s so exaggerated even in real life, it’s hard not to slip into caricature. The end of The Apprentice crosses that line at times. The climax of the film is accompanied by a scene depicting Trump undergoing liposuction and surgical scalp reduction – Trump contradicts both procedures. Rather than reality, the scene resembles the moment from Star Wars when Darth Vader dons his iconic mask for the first time. Quite possibly this was the intention of the creators, but it was not necessary.
Elections will be held in the USA next week, and Donald Trump can easily return to the White House. Whether we like it or not, we will all be thinking about Trump in the coming weeks and years. The Apprentice movie can help you see from new angles a person about whom absolutely everyone already has an opinion.
Movie The Apprentice: The Trump Story (2024)
Drama / Biography, USA / Canada / Denmark / Ireland, 2024, 120 min
Screenplay: Gabriel Sherman
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong, Martin Donovan, Emily Mitchell, Patch Darragh, Stuart Hughes, Michael Hough, Joe Pingue, Eoin Duffy
The Apprentice: The Trump Story — A Satirical Perspective
Ah, the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, where the popcorn is as expensive as the average film ticket in America. And what do we have? The Apprentice: The Trump Story, directed by Ali Abbasi, has premiered, and the first call of the night was from none other than Donald Trump’s legal eagles. They seem to have misunderstood the concept of *film*—it’s not just a fancy YouTube video, mate!
Now, one can only imagine the scene at Cannes: the film rolls, the crowd oohs and aahs, and suddenly, a swarm of suits descends, shouting, “Pull the film! Pull the film!” It’s like a scene from a bad comedy, really—though I can’t help but think it’s fully in character for a man who’s built a career on brandishing lawsuits like trophies.
From Reality Show to Reality Check
The film attempts to journey through the murky waters of Trump’s formative years in the late ’60s and ’70s. One might wonder, though, how many reality shows you need to backtrack from to get to the *real* Trump? Does the film need to follow the breadcrumbs left by his hair—a signal that if you stumble upon a wig in a bush, you’re getting closer to understanding him?
Sebastian Stan plays the lead. You know, it’s hard for me to picture the 25-year-old Trump helping Daddy collect rent; my mental image looks more like a toddler playing Monopoly with the value set at ‘extreme wealth and meltdowns’. But hey, even the film makers themselves realize that showing Trump knocking on doors for rent money is a stretch. Who knew imagining unearned privilege could require so much imagination?
Roy Cohn: The Enabler Extraordinaire
Enter Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn: the man who gave Trump a masterclass in legal shenanigans so elaborate, they make most heist movies look like kindergarten crafts. If you’re wondering why there isn’t a “Where’s My Roy Cohn?” style merchandise line, you’re not alone. As much as Cohn mentored Trump in the fine art of power plays and intimidation, every great apprentice needs a wise, if morally bankrupt, sage to light the way.
What’s that they say? Those who can’t do, teach. And Roy Cohn? Oh, he was a pro at playing dirty!
The Fine Line Between Reality and Farce
Now, I won’t lie: at times, the film crosses into bizarre territory. I mean, a scene with Trump undergoing liposuction? Really. The only thing scarier than that concept is imagining Trump’s face during the procedure. Were there lights flashing? Did he get to pick a theme song? “Come on, Barbie, let’s go party?”
But it delves into deeper storytelling under the guise of entertainment, with Sherman’s script compelling viewers to question the truth behind the man who made *fake news* a household phrase. If reality is a construct, then the film is here to remind us that even a Trump biopic can’t help but flirt with absurdism.
Voracious Public Interest
As the U.S. elections loom larger than Trump’s ego, we can’t escape discussing him, whether we want to or not. The film attempts to provide a fresh lens, and for all his flaws, one has to admit: the man is utterly fascinating. Who else could turn a reality TV show into a political campaign? If that’s not brilliance, what is?
The Apprentice: The Trump Story opens the door to speculate and perhaps sympathize, even if that sympathy is as thin as Trump’s own arguments on Twitter. With plenty of flamboyant scenes backed by strong performances, it’s bound to be the week’s hot topic—just hope it doesn’t end up on the cutting room floor before it gets its theatrical release!
Your weekend flick that’s sure to get people talking!
Details at a Glance:
- Movie: The Apprentice: The Trump Story (2024)
- Genre: Drama / Biography
- Country: USA / Canada / Denmark / Ireland
- Duration: 120 min
- Screenplay: Gabriel Sherman
- Cast: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong, among others.
In conclusion, whether you thoroughly love or utterly despise Trump, one thing is for sure—this film won’t leave you neutral. And, as always, laughter is the best medicine. Just remember, it’s all satire until someone gets hurt—usually, in this case, it’s our fragile sanity!
Immediately following the premiere of *The Apprentice: The Trump Story* at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the film’s creators were contacted by Donald Trump’s legal representatives, demanding that the movie be pulled from theaters. In a twist of irony, Trump’s legal team was not even present for the film’s unveiling, highlighting the very tactics that shaped the controversial ex-president’s approach to conflict resolution.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Trump has watched the film directed by Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, yet indications suggest that he might not favor it. However, the portrayal of Trump in *The Apprentice* is not excessively critical, providing a complex narrative of the Republican’s earlier years as he gears up for another presidential campaign.
The film embarks on a journey through Trump’s formative years in the late 1960s and early 1970s, depicting him as a young man grappling with his identity while assisting his father in managing a real estate empire. The filmmakers aim to empathize with the approximately 25-year-old Donald, offering a somewhat sympathetic psychological profile of his character during these early years.
In pivotal scenes where Trump collects rent from low-income tenants in his father’s buildings, he is depicted with a nuanced approach rather than as a caricature of greed—a portrayal that may come at a later point in the film. It’s also worth noting that the filmmakers have taken artistic liberties, as it’s unlikely Trump actually engaged in such personal interactions with his tenants.
Gabriel Sherman, the film’s screenwriter, shares his artistic philosophy, noting, “When you watch *The Godfather*, you don’t ask if the movie is for the mafia or against the mafia.” From the opening moments, it becomes evident that Sherman and director Ali Abbasi are steering away from a traditional documentary format, aiming instead to craft a fresh narrative about Trump that transcends what audiences have come to expect.
Creating a fresh perspective on one of the most scrutinized individuals of the last decade is no simple feat. However, the creators of *The Apprentice* come equipped with substantial credentials. Sherman, primarily known for his contributions to *Vanity Fair*, gained wider recognition for his book *The Loudest Voice in the Room*, which outlines the meteoric rise of Fox News under Roger Ailes.
His book was eventually adapted into a Showtime series, where Russell Crowe portrayed Ailes. Consequently, the dramatization of Trump’s life feels like a natural progression for Sherman, allowing him to explore the complexities and contradictions surrounding Trump’s public persona.
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump is integral to the film’s resonance, as both he and director Abbasi meticulously studied archival footage from the 1970s and 1980s to authentically replicate Trump’s mannerisms. Viewers are likely to become engrossed, momentarily forgetting that they are watching an actor embody a public figure.
Jeremy Strong, known for his role in *Succession*, plays the enigmatic and controversial lawyer Roy Cohn. The film’s title cleverly alludes to Trump’s famed reality show, yet it focuses instead on how Cohn’s mentorship significantly shaped Trump’s personality and approach to power.
Cohn, a figure infamous for his ruthless legal strategies, initially rose to prominence during the sensational espionage trials of the 1950s. His association with Senator Joe McCarthy further solidified his controversial reputation, making him a fitting mentor for the young Trump. Their relationship deepened as Cohn imparted his cunning and ethically questionable tactics to the aspiring real estate mogul.
Cohn’s influence is a pivotal storyline in *The Apprentice*, showcasing how he molded Trump into the media-savvy and divisive figure that he is today. As the narrative progresses, viewers can witness how Trump’s demeanor is mirrored after Cohn’s, leading to the transformation into the larger-than-life persona known from television.
While the acting talents of Stan and Strong elevate the film, audiences should remain mindful that they are engaging with a dramatized retelling of actual events, highlighting Trump’s psychological journey in a manner that is intended to entertain and provoke thought.
The film does not shy away from contentious portrayals, particularly during the 1980s, as it interweaves the struggles of Cohn and Trump’s foray into gambling in Atlantic City—a period marked by various controversies. The depiction of a scene suggesting Trump assaulted his then-wife, Ivana, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, igniting discussion on the blurred lines between reality and dramatization in the storytelling process.
Every narrative presented in the film is rooted in real statements, albeit often contested by Trump and his aides. Yet, given Trump’s history of contradictions, crafting a film that excludes elements he denies could render it nearly impossible to capture his multifaceted character accurately.
The film culminates in a scene that some viewers may find pushes into the realm of caricature; the climax features Trump alleged to have undergone cosmetic surgeries, reminiscent of the moment Darth Vader dons his helmet in *Star Wars*. This creative choice by the filmmakers may have been intended to showcase Trump’s transformation, but it risks detracting from the overall narrative.
As the upcoming elections in the United States loom, with Trump potentially reclaiming the presidency, public consciousness will undoubtedly remain fixated on him in the weeks and years to come. *The Apprentice* offers a unique lens through which audiences might reassess their preconceived notions of a man who has become a lightning rod for discussion and debate.
Movie *The Apprentice: The Trump Story* (2024)
Drama / Biography, USA / Canada / Denmark / Ireland, 2024, 120 min
Screenplay: Gabriel Sherman
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong, Martin Donovan, Emily Mitchell, Patch Darragh, Stuart Hughes, Michael Hough, Joe Pingue, Eoin Duffy
Sonal pivot point that demonstrates their ambitions and moral compromises. These scenes serve as a canvas to illustrate the allure of excess and the often perilous nature of power.
Despite its dramatic flourishes, *The Apprentice: The Trump Story* is not merely a superficial biopic skimming over the highlights of Trump’s life; it endeavors to unveil a deeper narrative reflecting the complexities of his character. The filmmakers aim to highlight the interplay of environment and personal choices that sculpt a man’s identity—especially one as publicly polarizing as Trump.
Furthermore, the film invites viewers to reflect on contemporary themes of media manipulation and public perception, asking questions about truth and reality in a world where the lines can be blurred. Through this exploration, audiences may find themselves contemplating not just Trump’s legacy but their own roles as consumers of news, stories, and narratives designed to sway public opinion.
With its mix of satire, drama, and a splash of absurdity, *The Apprentice* both entertains and invites introspection. Whether one views it as a critique, an exploration, or a cautionary tale, the film ultimately serves as a mirror reflecting the era in which we live—an era defined by spectacle, celebrity, and the unending thirst for power. As the credits roll, we’re left to ponder whether the man who once declared, “You’re fired!” has truly been vanquished by his own machinations or if he will rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes of his own making.
