I was initially skeptical when I first heard that a biopic, “The Apprentice,” based around Donald Trump’s start in the real estate industry, was going to be released on Oct 11. Named after Trump’s reality television game show, the release date was right around the primaries, so I assumed the film would just be a vessel for Trump’s political agenda. Back in March of 2024, Trump announced he would be selling “Trump Bibles,” so it wouldn’t be the first time Trump used alternative marketing methods that strayed from traditional campaigning. As I walked out of the theater I was pleased that my skepticism was disproved, and I truly was astounded by the fantastic quality of the film.
“The Apprentice,” follows a young Donald Trump, played by Sebastian Stan, during the mid-1970s as he is first becoming noticed as a player in the real estate market. After meeting relentless lawyer and prosecutor Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong, most known for his role as Kendell Roy in the drama series “Succession,” Trump learns Cohn’s three rules of business, helping Trump go on to reach the level of success, corruption and immorality we see as the film goes on. Throughout the film, Trump begins to adopt Cohn’s three rules: Attack, Attack, Attack; admit nothing, deny everything; Never admit defeat.
The movie captures a retro 1970s vibe by using intentional film graining and illustrates life in New York City through dozens of shots of the city skyline. The film’s original music, produced by Martin Dirkov, David Holmes and Brian Irvine heightens the tensest moments of the movie, which excels at keeping scenes constantly engaging.
Initially, it didn’t seem like the role of Donald Trump was demanding, although as the movie went on, more monologues and intense scenes solidified Sebastian Stan’s performance as simply incredible. Additionally, Jeremy Strong’s performance was consistent throughout, as Cohn was continuously put through emotionally and physically demanding scenes. Both of the lead’s chilling performances did not disappoint and had me leaving the theater with a feeling of amazement.
The closing scene of the movie depicts Trump talking to Tony Schwartz, a ghostwriter in the midst of writing “Trump: The Art of the Deal.” Trump admits he’s become obsessed with winning and describes making deals like an art form. The movie closes with Trump revealing he has fully adopted Cohn’s playbook but makes it come off as his own as he recites the three rules of business. The credits roll as an electric guitar riffs in the background.
Overall, “The Apprentice” uses great stylistic choices and contains powerful performances. While it’s impossible to ignore the left-wing bias the film takes in depicting Trump’s rise, it highlights many important people at a vital period of Trump’s history.
