Overleveraged Ambition: The Apprentice Examines Donald Trump’s Rise and Fall in 1980s New York
Source: "The Apprentice"
About The Film
The Apprentice is a gripping, though occasionally uncomfortable, biographical drama that delves into the early career of Donald Trump, particularly his rise in New York’s real estate scene during the 1970s and 80s. Directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, the film avoids simplistic portrayals, instead offering a nuanced, if at times sympathetic, look at a figure who has both captivated and polarized the public for decades.
Sebastian Stan delivers an impressive performance as Trump, capturing the youthful swagger of a man eager to conquer Manhattan, while Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Trump’s legal mentor, Roy Cohn, is nothing short of mesmerizing. The film focuses heavily on their relationship, with Cohn as the flamboyant, ruthless lawyer who pulls strings behind the scenes, helping Trump navigate the labyrinth of New York politics and business. Cohn’s mastery of underhanded tactics is both fascinating and unsettling, and Strong plays him with a mix of charm and menace that steals nearly every scene he’s in.
While The Apprentice doesn’t shy away from Trump’s more controversial moments, including a disturbing and graphic depiction of his sexual abuse of Ivana, it doesn’t feel like propaganda either. The film presents Trump as a young, ambitious yuppie, brimming with confidence and inspired by his father’s success (Martin Donovan’s portrayal of Fred Trump adds a grounded, paternal layer to the narrative). However, it quickly becomes clear that his hunger for success drives him to over-leverage himself, a decision that leads to his reputation in the business world being shattered. As the film hints, this early desperation would haunt him, eventually pushing him towards the political sphere as a way to generate additional income to pay off his debts accumulated from his failed real estate ventures.
Key Takeaways From The Film
What makes The Apprentice particularly compelling is its realism. The portrayal of Trump’s vulnerability beneath the bravado, and the sense of him grasping at straws in his later years, adds depth to a man often portrayed in caricature. His fall from an “inspired yuppie” to someone desperately clinging to power is palpable, and the film is as much a story of overreach and lost credibility as it is about political ambition.
When Donald Trump ran for president, he was already a celebrity thanks to his show “The Apprentice” and his flashy real estate brand. However, what most non New Yorkers were not aware of was how weak his real estate empire actually was—it was crippled with debt and on the verge of bankruptcy. Roy Cohn instilled in him the mantra of always being a winner, even when he wasn’t, which enabled him to convince the entire country that he was a savvy businessman, despite the reality. Through his campaign for president and political grifting, these donations and campaign funds have kept him afloat ever since 2016, when he ran for and won the presidency.
Various important figures existed within his circle, including Roy Cohn, who receives the most screen time, as well as Roger Stone, Rupert Murdoch, George Steinbrenner, and Ed Koch, who are also mentioned and receive varying levels of attention throughout the film. The guest appearances from Roger Stone, in particular, provide additional context to the political narrative of Trump's later years, helping to paint a fuller picture of the web of influence and connections surrounding him. The film’s casting is spot-on, with each actor capturing not only the physical mannerisms but also the underlying behaviors of their real-life counterparts.
Wrap Up
Ultimately, The Apprentice is a complex and well-acted drama that portrays Trump’s early career and relationships with a level of sophistication that invites viewers to understand—if not necessarily sympathize with—the man behind the headlines. The film illustrates how Trump transformed into the figure he is today by employing shady tactics instilled in him by Roy Cohn, depicting a relentless pursuit of success that involves resorting to morally questionable political strategies.
While the film probably won’t change your vote, it also doesn’t fall into the trap of being mere propaganda, instead offering a thoughtful exploration of ambition, influence, and the price of success.
