The Apprentice
Maria Bakalova& Sebastian Stan as Ivana & Donald Trump in The Apprentice. Photo: Pief Weyman
Before he became a polarising political figure, a reality TV star, & an assassination attempt survivor, Donald Trump was a young man with grand ambitions. In The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi, this biopic narrows its focus to Trump’s early years, a period that shaped his journey from real estate mogul to global notoriety. With Sebastian Stan taking on the role of young Trump, the film offers a curious but ultimately surface-level glimpse into the evolution of one of America’s most controversial figures.
Sebastian Stan Shines as a Young Trump
There’s no denying that The Apprentice boasts a powerhouse performance from Sebastian Stan. His portrayal of a young Trump grappling with ambition, legal troubles, & the pursuit of influence is captivating. Stan nails Trump’s signature cadence, facial expressions, & mannerisms, creating a portrayal that is both eerily familiar & slightly humanising.
Despite capturing Trump’s arrogance & ruthlessness, Stan’s performance offers a degree of sympathy for a man often portrayed as cold & foolhardy. The charm he brings to the role is undeniable, though it may not be enough to fully win over viewers, depending on their opinion of Trump. Regardless, Stan’s ability to embody Trump’s complex persona remains the film's highlight.
No Revelations, Just Familiar Territory
If you’re hoping for The Apprentice to offer new revelations about Trump’s life, you might leave disappointed. The film doesn’t deliver any groundbreaking insights that haven’t already been discussed ad nauseam. Instead, it serves as a portrait of Trump’s early years, with a particular focus on the lessons he learned & the rules he adopted to secure his future dominance.
These “Three Rules for Winning” are a key theme of the film, borrowed from Trump’s infamous lawyer & mentor, Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). The rules are as follows:
Attack, Attack, Attack
Admit Nothing, Deny Everything
Claim Victory, Never Admit Defeat
Viewers familiar with Trump’s public persona won’t be surprised to see how these principles guided his actions throughout his life, culminating in the aftermath of the 2020 election & the events of January 6. However, the film’s reliance on well-trodden ground makes it feel more like a recap than a deep exploration.
Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in The Apprentice
Unintended Comedy or Purposeful Satire?
One surprising aspect of The Apprentice is its comedic undertone. Whether intentional or not, moments throughout the film elicit laughter - particularly when showcasing Trump’s views on politics & corruption. His candid remarks about politicians & the political system sometimes feel like satire, though it’s unclear whether Abbasi intended to inject humour or if modern hindsight simply makes it inevitable.
This comedic layer, while entertaining, occasionally undercuts the film’s more serious moments. It leaves the audience questioning whether The Apprentice wants to be taken seriously or if it’s subtly mocking the absurdity of the current American political climate.
In the end, The Apprentice is a fascinating, if not shallow, look at Donald Trump’s formative years. It doesn’t offer much substance or sway opinions on the man himself. Perhaps that was never the intention. For Trump’s supporters, it may come off as too harsh; for his detractors, too forgiving. Either way, it’s hard to shake the feeling that The Apprentice misses an opportunity to dig deeper into the man behind the myth.
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