October 16th 2024.
The highly anticipated biopic of the former US President, Donald Trump, titled "The Apprentice" has finally arrived. Starring Sebastian Stan as the young Trump and directed by Ali Abbasi, this hotly anticipated film delves into the early years of the controversial figure's career. With screenwriter Gabriel Sherman, Abbasi has crafted a smart and sharp movie that sheds light on Trump's journey to success.
The film introduces us to a young and ambitious Trump, portrayed brilliantly by Sebastian Stan, who is taken under the wing of New York lawyer Roy Cohn in the 1970s and '80s. Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong, mentors Trump and teaches him his trademark aggressive and never-give-up attitude. In Trump's own words, the film is "pretty tremendous."
Despite being a personality ripe for parody, "The Apprentice" refrains from caricaturing Trump and instead takes a more subtle and nuanced approach. It showcases his past from a future where most people are already familiar with his exhausting traits. The film also includes clever political references that foreshadow Trump's future, even starting with a quote from Nixon during the Watergate scandal.
Sebastian Stan's performance as Trump is a revelation. He expertly captures the character's mannerisms and voice, which become more pronounced as Trump is coached to success by Cohn. Stan's portrayal is nuanced and allows for moments of humanity before Cohn strips it all away. On the other hand, Jeremy Strong's performance as Cohn is bombastic and attention-grabbing, perfectly portraying the antagonistic and somewhat vicious mentor.
The film also delves into Trump's first marriage to Ivana Trump, played by Maria Bakalova who undergoes a transformation for the role. However, the main focus remains on the relationship between Trump and Cohn, which also causes tension with Ivana at times. "The Apprentice" shows admirable restraint in its depiction of the real-life Trump, showcasing his alleged cosmetic procedures and even hinting at past allegations.
Director Ali Abbasi doesn't hold back in some of the more controversial scenes, making "The Apprentice" a sharp, smart, and savvy biopic. However, Trump himself has been vocal in his disapproval of the film, calling it a "cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job" and hoping for its failure. Despite this, "The Apprentice" is a strong contender and has already received positive reviews.
It premiered at Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 and will be in UK cinemas on October 18, 2024. This review was originally written on the day of its premiere. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can share them with us by emailing or visiting our Submit Stuff page. The entertainment team at The Agency is always on the lookout for exciting stories and would love to hear from you.
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