Exploring the Roots of a Controversial Figure
In a cinematic exploration of Donald Trump’s formative years, the film The Apprentice delves into the intricate relationship between Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, and his mentor, the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the early 1970s, a pivotal time when the Trump Corporation, under the guidance of Fred Trump, faced legal challenges for alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act.
The film captures the moment when Trump first encounters Cohn, a man known for his ruthless tactics in the courtroom. Cohn’s adeptness at mitigating the fallout from the lawsuit leaves a lasting impression on the young businessman, prompting Trump to seek Cohn’s counsel in various aspects of his life. From negotiating tax breaks for his inaugural hotel to crafting a contentious prenuptial agreement with Ivana, Trump’s reliance on Cohn’s advice becomes a recurring theme.
Directed by Ali Abbasi and penned by Gabriel Sherman, the film artfully navigates the complexities of Trump’s character. It opens with Richard Nixon’s infamous declaration, “I am not a crook,” drawing parallels between the two figures whose legacies are marred by controversy. The filmmakers methodically construct a narrative that illustrates how Trump’s early experiences shaped his persona, revealing a young man who was initially awkward and inexperienced, yet eager to learn from Cohn’s unapologetic approach to life.
As the story progresses, viewers witness Trump absorbing Cohn’s three cardinal rules: 1) Attack, attack, attack; 2) Admit nothing, deny everything; 3) Claim victory, and never admit defeat. This mentorship emboldens Trump, transforming him from a hesitant figure into a more assertive personality. The film’s timeline shifts from the 1970s to the 1980s, highlighting a role reversal where Trump and Cohn embody the archetypes of bully and victim, a dynamic that feels both inevitable and familiar.
Stan’s portrayal of Trump is noteworthy, as he skillfully embodies the verbal and physical nuances associated with the former president. His performance is complemented by Strong’s portrayal of Cohn, a character that elicits both disdain and fascination. Strong’s transformation into the morally reprehensible lawyer positions him as a strong contender for accolades, delivering a performance that captivates audiences with its intensity.
Given Trump’s profound impact on contemporary American society, The Apprentice invites viewers to engage with its subject matter through a lens that is anything but neutral. The filmmakers seem intent on illustrating that the traits and behaviors exhibited by Trump were not merely products of his presidency but rather deeply rooted in his past. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that the world has only recently come to recognize the complexities of a figure who has long been defined by controversy.
Currently, The Apprentice is captivating audiences in theaters, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the origins of a polarizing figure in modern history.
