L'art Du Cinema’s review published on Letterboxd:
Review of The Apprentice
“Make America Great Again.” The Apprentice portrays a young Donald Trump in a raw and realistic way, long before he became one of the most influential political figures in the United States. The film presents a well-structured narrative that follows Trump’s evolution, from collecting rent payments to building his empire in New York. Along the way, Trump meets Roy Cohn, who becomes his lawyer and mentor, teaching him tactics that shape him into the man he is today.
The 1970s setting is one of the film’s strongest elements, fully immersing the audience in that era. The aesthetic perfectly captures the decay of New York City, portraying it as a harsh but opportunity-filled environment for those willing to take risks. This is beautifully complemented by a classic soundtrack that fits perfectly and enhances each moment of the story.
The relationship between Trump and Roy Cohn is one of the film’s central dynamics. Roy teaches Trump key rules for success in the competitive business world, with “Attack” and “Never admit defeat” being the ones that resonate most throughout the film. These lessons are crucial to Trump’s development and his ambition to build his skyscraper in Atlantic City, symbolizing his rise as a real estate mogul.
However, the film does have its weak points. One of them is the underdeveloped portrayal of some secondary characters, particularly Ivana Trump, his wife in the film. Despite her multiple appearances, her character fails to leave a significant impact on the audience or add depth to her relationship with Trump. The lack of emotional weight in their dynamic feels like a missed opportunity to explore a crucial part of Trump’s personal life.
The ending can also feel a bit hollow, lacking the impact one might expect from such a story. It almost seems as though the film was made with the intention of subtly tarnishing Trump’s image, which results in some scenes feeling like filler or exaggerated. This detracts from the otherwise solid narrative and leaves the audience with a sense of incompleteness.
The performances are still one of the film’s most outstanding aspects. Sebastian Stan, as Trump, is simply brilliant, capturing the essence of his character in every scene. Jeremy Strong, playing Roy Cohn, complements Stan perfectly, forming a duo that commands attention with their impressive acting. Together, they elevate the film to another level.
In summary, The Apprentice offers a glimpse into the young Donald Trump, portraying him as an ambitious and shrewd figure, but also somewhat clumsy in his early steps toward success. The film highlights his love for the United States and his relentless desire for recognition, which eventually led him to the presidency. While it effectively captures Trump’s rise to power, the underdeveloped secondary characters and a somewhat empty conclusion hold the film back from reaching its full potential.
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