The Apprentice Movie Review

A Savage, Funny Original Story of Donald Trump - Accompanied by Ego, Ambition and Jaw - Dropping Drama

If you think you know all about Trump, then you are mistaken- this movie will take you through the pandemonium behind the glittering walls of wealth and fame.

Its Donald Trump biopic movie, released for public though it received cease and desist letter to block film’s release from Trump administration. It was lengthy back and forth of legal action.

I watched this movie, the actor who posed as Trump is literally acting hundred percent like Trump. We are familiar with politician Donald Trump but in the movie one gets deeper insight of younger Donald Trump finding his journey through the real estate business trying to find a name for himself. 

Metamorphosis of Trump from second-son into ruthless businessman in an unhinged manner by Cohn’s callousness  will make you dislike him. 

Trump in the beginning is different than in the end and this change is sparked by Notorious Roy con played by Jeremy Strong who is a ruthless lawyer willing to go any extent to win and teaches him his own corrupt rules to defeat competitors. The film delves into the themes of ambition, power and the moral compromises over bold and honest steps.

“These rules are attack, deny everything, admit nothing, claim victory and never admit defeat, this becomes a thesis for trump to follow”. This movie is a revelation of power, capitalism, wealth and how a young person can be influenced if he is an ambitious person. 

The film reflects that to get wealth one has to step on someone. The movie uses the character of Trump as a vessel to showcase this flawed character. And how he gets connected to influential rich people.

Cinnatography of the movie adds to the experience as well, there is grain on screen to showcase the old time of film watching versus a very clean digital look. Sabastian Stan plays as Donald Trump has performed fabulously. 

He plays the mannerism and cadence of Trump like purses his lips up and you get convinced as if real Trump is out there. Jermy strong as Roy con also plays his role well as absolute savage scumbag and being used and thrown away at the end.

Maria Baklova plays well as Ivana Trump though she does not have much screen time and very good casting. It's entertaining throughout. The movie is strongest in exploring those themed dimensions.

If you want to know how junior, dishonest Trump became president Trump of today, you can watch it. Don’t watch it with your kids. It's an adult movie.

What Really Works in This Film

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, both actors are praiseworthy and have performed well. Stan’s performance as Trump is super, he has copied Trump exactly in his speech, he talks with purged lips like Trump and imitates every action of Trump. While Strong is a great , chillingly methodological actor.

The 1970 and 1980 setting of New york city is convincing rendering authenticity.

Ali Abbasi's direction is marvelous. The storyline is written by Gabriel Sherman who has tried to bring to life Trump’s real estate business environment.

Where it May Falter

It is a little slow paced. And lacking depth in story telling. The story has shown Trump’s brother as of weak personality who suicides but in reality he was a pilot who was constantly criticised by Fred Trump his father for bringing little value. Some say the film doesn't dive in depth of Trump’s life and is agenda driven.

Why You Should Watch the Film

 If you are interested in the life of one of the most polarising figures in modern politics, this film provides a dramatized but thought-provoking view.

If you appreciate character-driven dramas rather than spectacle, and are comfortable with moral ambiguity, you’ll find much to discuss.

For lovers of political cinema or films that probe the intersections of business, media and power, this film provides all of that.

Final Verdict

This film will make you uncomfortable on a moral campus. It is controversial and  provocative. Apprentice is not a feel- good film.

On a rating scale, I’d give it 3.5  out of 5 stars — not perfect, but meaningful.

Whether it “engages” will depend greatly on how one engages with its subject matter, its direction, and one’s tolerance for ambiguity and controversy.

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