CANNES: Sebastian Stan undergoes a remarkable transformation in Ali Abbasi's 'The Apprentice,' capturing the physicality and ambition of a young Donald Trump with unsettling accuracy. Yet despite Stan's committed performance, the film ultimately feels like a beautifully wrapped package with surprisingly little inside.
A Surface-Level Portrait of Power
The film tracks Trump's early years in 1970s and 80s New York, focusing on his relationship with notorious political fixer Roy Cohn, played with chilling intensity by Jeremy Strong. We witness Trump's evolution from a privileged real estate heir to a ruthless businessman, with Cohn serving as his dark mentor in the art of manipulation and power politics.
Stan's performance is undoubtedly the film's strongest asset. He captures Trump's distinctive mannerisms, speech patterns, and physical presence with remarkable precision. From the distinctive hand gestures to the calculated swagger, Stan disappears into the role completely.
Missed Opportunities and Superficial Analysis
Where 'The Apprentice' falters is in its psychological depth. The film presents Trump's rise as a series of calculated moves and corrupt dealings, but it never truly explores what drives the man behind the ambition. We see the what and how of his ascent, but precious little of the why.
The screenplay touches on Trump's complicated relationship with his father, his obsession with media perception, and his transactional view of human relationships, but these elements feel like checklist items rather than deep character exploration.
Technical Brilliance Can't Compensate
From a production standpoint, the film is impeccable. The recreation of 1970s New York is atmospheric and convincing, with careful attention to period details in costumes, sets, and cinematography. The pacing maintains engagement throughout, and supporting performances, particularly Strong's Roy Cohn, are uniformly excellent.
Yet these technical achievements can't mask the fundamental emptiness at the film's core. 'The Apprentice' feels like watching a beautifully illustrated biography where the most important pages have been torn out.
A Timely Story Told Too Safely
Given Trump's continued dominance of American politics, a serious cinematic examination of his origins feels more relevant than ever. Unfortunately, Abbasi's film pulls its punches, offering a portrait that's critical in tone but superficial in substance.
The film raises important questions about the nature of American ambition and the moral compromises required for success in the cutthroat world of New York real estate. Yet it consistently stops short of providing meaningful insights, preferring to show us events we already know rather than helping us understand what they truly mean.
For viewers seeking a straightforward dramatization of Trump's early career with outstanding lead performances, 'The Apprentice' delivers competent entertainment. But for those hoping for a penetrating psychological study or sharp political commentary, this biopic ultimately feels like an opportunity missed.
