Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong deliver intense, standout performances as Donald Trump and Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, bringing depth and tension to their portrayals.
Star Cast: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, Emily Mitchell, Martin Donovan, and Patch Darragh.
Director: Ali Abbasi
What’s Good: Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong deliver powerful, intense performances as Donald Trump and Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, bringing remarkable depth and tension to their roles.
What’s Bad: At several points in the film, the narrative feels overly conventional, which dulls key moments. The director seems to lack the confidence to make the film visually engaging, resulting in a missed opportunity to elevate its excitement.
Loo Break: The second act feels overly dense, which might overwhelm audiences and seem unnecessary, offering a perfect opportunity for a bathroom break.
Watch or Not?: The Apprentice is worth watching if you’re a fan of the lead actors or interested in exploring Donald Trump’s early years.
Language: English (with subtitles).
Available On: Theaters
Runtime: 123 Minutes.
The Apprentice: A Deep Dive into Power and Ambition
Introduction
The Apprentice delves into the complex figure of former President Donald Trump, a man who was renowned for being famous long before the influencer culture became prevalent. Leveraging his wealth, Trump crafted a persona that became emblematic of the American dream, yet, as with any legend, there are dark sides, secrets, and obscure origins that this film attempts to illuminate. While it creates an entertaining narrative, the film lacks visual flair but compensates with impressive performances from its cast.
A Timely Exploration of Trump’s Origins
The film is aptly titled The Apprentice, referencing the reality show Trump hosted for many years. It presents a sort of biopic that feels particularly relevant, especially as Trump campaigns for a second term as President of the United States—a race that could significantly impact the country’s future. The film arrives at a crucial moment, acknowledging its relevance to contemporary political discourse.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
The Apprentice can be seen as divided into two distinct parts, representing two sides of the same coin. On one hand, it offers a bizarre, humorous, and often charming romantic comedy depicting the relationship between Trump and his mentor, Roy Cohn. Their connection evolves to the point where they become inseparable, sharing traits and mannerisms that blur the lines of their identities.
On the other hand, the film adopts a horror-like tone as the characters spiral into madness, sacrificing their morals and values in the relentless pursuit of success. This darker aspect is terrifying, primarily because of the immense power these figures wield. Their influence stretches beyond their immediate circles into the public realm, making their descent into chaos all the more unsettling. In many ways, this horror element serves as the film’s most effective component.
Controversial Portrayals
The film’s approach to depicting Trump and Cohn is bound to provoke reactions, and it does not shy away from addressing the controversial nature of their characters. The screenplay includes subtle comments about the public’s perception of these two men, adding a layer of complexity to their portrayals.
Impressive Performances
The standout aspect of The Apprentice is undoubtedly its performances. Every actor in the ensemble is committed, but Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong particularly excel. Stan’s portrayal of Trump is remarkable, showcasing his bravery in taking on such a high-profile role. He continues to prove himself as a talented actor, stepping away from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to tackle more complex and diverse projects.
Jeremy Strong, fresh off his acclaimed role in Succession, delivers a performance that transcends mere acting. He fully embodies Roy Cohn, a relatively obscure figure compared to Trump, allowing Strong more creative freedom in shaping the character. His nuanced choices enable audiences to form judgments about Cohn throughout the film.
Visual Limitations
While the performances are commendable, the film falls short in its visual execution. The visual storytelling is rather bland, making it less engaging, especially given the film’s heavy reliance on dialogue. Director Ali Abbasi needed to find more innovative ways to communicate the story visually rather than relying on exposition. This lack of visual engagement detracts from the overall experience, making the film feel tedious at times.
The Weight of Exposition
The film’s lengthy runtime, exceeding two hours, compounds the issues created by its lack of dynamic visuals. The reliance on exposition hinders the audience’s ability to engage with the story in a compelling manner. Abbasi successfully elicits strong performances from his actors, but he could benefit from dedicating more attention to the film’s visual and narrative elements in future projects.
Final Thoughts
The Apprentice emerges as a controversial, lengthy, and at times tedious exploration of ambition and power. While the film’s premise and performances are strong enough to draw viewers in, its overreliance on exposition undermines the storytelling. Stan and Strong’s performances are undoubtedly worth watching, yet the film could have benefited from a more unique directorial vision. A filmmaker with a distinctive style, like Martin Scorsese, might have brought a refreshing perspective that elevates the narrative to its full potential.
Conclusion
The Apprentice releases on October 18, 2024, offering a look into the lives of two influential figures in American history. While it may leave audiences with mixed feelings, the film serves as a timely reflection on power and its implications in today’s world.
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