REVIEW: “The Apprentice” (2024)

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours delving into the lives of fascinating figures through cinema, I must confess that “The Apprentice” left me feeling somewhat disappointed and frustrated. The film, in its zeal to portray Donald Trump as an unflattering caricature, neglects the crucial aspect of making him a fully realized human character. It’s like watching a political rally masquerading as a biopic.

In today’s era, there’s an abundance of large-format biographical films. This is due to our inherent fascination with human tales of all sorts. Add to that our passion for cinema, and it’s understandable why we see so many. However, biopics can fall into several pitfalls. They may overemphasize formulaic elements, misrepresent facts, or as seen in “The Apprentice”, allow personal agendas to overshadow what could have been a sharp and enlightening exploration.

Essentially, “The Apprentice” is a movie that strives so relentlessly to portray its subject in an unfavorable light that it neglects to present him as a real person. Directed by Ali Abbasi with a clear political agenda, the film aims to depict New York businessman and former President Donald J. Trump in the most unflattering way possible. While his fiercest critics might view this as a positive aspect and tolerate the movie despite its obvious flaws, Trump supporters will likely find it offensive and immediately contest the timing of its release. A more objective audience member can easily see through the film’s thin veneer.

In reality, Donald Trump has provided plenty of real-life material worth dissecting in his business, personal, and political lives. But Abbasi adds too many fictional twists to serve his film’s message. He paints a wildly one-sided portrait that barely registers a human pulse. It’s a shame considering how ripe the subject matter is for exploration. But instead, “The Apprentice” comes across as misguided, lazy, and self-important.

Sebastian Stan portrays Trump with great dedication, but it seems like he’s stuck in a lengthy skit from Saturday Night Live. He wears various wigs that are noticeably poor quality and spends much time adjusting them. Additionally, his voice rarely resembles the real Trump’s. Overlooking these differences can be challenging.

According to Gabriel Sherman’s account, “The Apprentice” primarily focuses on Donald Trump’s journey as a real estate tycoon in New York City. The narrative begins in 1973, introducing Trump’s encounter with attorney Roy Cohn, portrayed compellingly by Jeremy Strong. Cohn is depicted as a powerful figure in New York who employs both legal and illicit methods to manipulate the system to his advantage. His clientele includes politicians, media magnates, and crime bosses. With Trump being accused of violating the Fair Housing Act, Cohn decides to represent him in court.

In the story, Cohn becomes a guiding force for the young entrepreneur, acting as both mentor and surrogate father – a role that Donald Trump lacked from his own dad, Fred (portrayed by Martin Donovan). Yet, Cohn also provides Trump with an intense, expedited education in manipulating the system, grounded in three merciless principles which Trump later embraces wholeheartedly. The dynamic between them forms the heart of the movie, evolving from a mutually advantageous arrangement to something more deeply emotional.

Although Cohn’s villainy is clearly depicted in the film’s early stages, Abassi and Sherman aim to emphasize that Donald Trump surpasses him in wickedness. This becomes particularly evident during the climax where it seems the filmmakers abandon all caution. They cram every critical assertion, be they verified or unproven, into the narrative. From severe allegations like Trump assaulting his wife Ivana (portrayed by Maria Bakalova who is underutilized) to minor jabs about Trump’s reported liposuction and scalp reduction surgeries. These elements once more reveal biases that frequently disrupt the film.

The film critiques Donald Trump effectively when it delves into his role within the corrupt New York City system during the 70s and 80s. However, the movie struggles to maintain its focus, failing to generate tension or suspense. Many of the secondary characters are underdeveloped, and even the portrayal of Trump by Stan tends towards exaggeration, particularly in the film’s over-the-top final half-hour.

“The Apprentice” appears to present a conflicting narrative right from the start. It aspires to deliver a sincere and authentic portrayal, yet it’s also determined to promote a specific perspective without compromise. This inconsistency leaves viewers questioning the film’s truthfulness. The makers of the movie provide little clarity on the matter. Abassi stated to The Wrap that the movie is “fact-based and fact-checked,” while Sherman told The Hollywood Reporter, “This is a work of art. It’s fiction.” Regardless of its label, “The Apprentice” misses the mark in delivering a compelling and relevant biopic. It will undoubtedly satisfy one audience and anger another. However, for most viewers, it falls short of being as thought-provoking or enlightening as the creators intended it to be.

2024-10-12 17:56

REVIEW: “The Apprentice” (2024)

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