The Apprentice: A Controversial Biopic Sparks Debate
The trend of biographical films gracing major film festival programs and subsequently appearing on awards season shortlists seems destined to endure. Directors and screenwriters continually seek fresh perspectives on pivotal life events, actors showcase remarkable transformations, and relatives of the portrayed figures often voice their displeasure with the interpretations. “The Apprentice” hits all the expected notes: Sebastian Stan bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Donald Trump, director Ali Abbasi frames the life story within the visual language of a television show, and one of the film’s primary investors, Dan Snyder, is reportedly unhappy with the final product. However, the most anticipated reaction comes from Donald Trump himself, who is said to be considering suing the filmmakers for defamation. This could potentially lead to an even more sensational legal battle than the Amber Heard-Johnny Depp trial – reminiscent of the media frenzy surrounding Trump’s own divorce from Ivana.
Let’s shift our focus back to the film itself and allow the surrounding media storm to settle. While Donald Trump’s political career is a significant concern for many, particularly with the upcoming US elections, it remains largely in the background of the film, hinted at through knowing glances and subtle foreshadowing. The audience is introduced to a young Donald (Sebastian Stan) collecting rent from low-income tenants in a hotel owned by his father – a scene that immediately establishes the film’s tone as unapologetic comedy. A pivotal moment in the narrative is Trump’s meeting with lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). Cohn, an assertive professional and friend to those worth befriending, gradually instills in the ambitious young entrepreneur a thirst for money and expensive suits.
Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in “The Apprentice”
A Missed Opportunity for Satire?
Ali Abbasi has established himself as a director known for tackling socially charged topics. His film “Holy Spider,” for instance, was even pulled from distribution in Russia due to pressure from the Ministry of Culture. This makes it all the more disappointing that “The Apprentice” falls short of being a full-fledged satire. It lacks the biting wit of Adam McKay or the uninhibitedness of Armando Iannucci. Instead, it presents a rather polished biopic set in the 1970s, offering irony only to a limited extent. Trump is portrayed as a man of limited intellect but considerable will. While a degree of ironic distance is seemingly intended, the film doesn’t quite manage to elicit genuine laughter at the controversial figure. At best, it provokes a suppressed chuckle, which feels like insufficient motivation for a biopic about not only a living person but also a currently active participant in global affairs whose potential actions continue to inspire fear.
Technical Merits and Artistic Passivity
From a purely cinematic perspective, “The Apprentice” is a well-made and engaging film. Abbasi maintains a good pace and avoids overwhelming the audience with excessive detail. Maria Bakalova delivers a spirited performance as Ivana Trump, and Jeremy Strong is given a dramatic arc in the style of classic Oscar-bait films – something to watch for during awards season. However, these routine compliments on the film’s wit and the actors’ talents only highlight the creative team’s artistic passivity.
Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in “The Apprentice”
The film’s uncomfortable candor emerges only in the third act, with a scene depicting a rape. This episode was a point of contention during the Trumps’ divorce proceedings, which ultimately concluded relatively amicably. Ivana Trump withdrew her accusations of sexual assault, and she is now unable to provide further commentary, having passed away in 2022. However, it seems that the rape scene is not intended to highlight the abusive nature of the marriage or to expose Ivana Trump’s dependent position (she is presented as a largely functional character). Instead, it serves as a sinister omen, a demonstration of power and a thirst for dominance. The film is destined for a controversial reception, and its distribution future remains uncertain. It appears that the analytical work undertaken was not sufficiently thorough or meticulous for “The Apprentice” to be considered a provocative political film that offers a sharp statement for lively discussion.