Set in the 70’s, The Apprentice brings to life the story of how a young Donald Trump started his real estate business in New York. Trying to seek independence from his father’s influences and to make a name for himself, Trump (Sebastian Stan) enlists notorious lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong) as a helping hand.
I am not alone in thinking that Trump is a despicable human being who is both a threat to American democracy and the safety of the world. I was therefore, a little uncomfortable with the first act because Ali Abbasi’s drama seemed to be going easy on him, almost making excuses for his abhorrent behaviour. That changes later as the business mogul evolves more into the scumbag we know and hate. In fact, it depicts him as a rapist, which I am surprised has not caused them legal issues.
Abbasi manages to capture New York’s grimy decline in the 70’s and early 80’s and Strong gives a compelling performance as the unscrupulous lawyer. At times Stan’s turn feels more like an impersonation, but, to be fair to him, he does only gradually begin to incorporate Trump’s mannerisms as time goes on. Gabriel Sherman’s script has a few too many unsubtle fore shadowings of what was to come and one clunky scene at a doctor’s office, but he also gives us a number of amusing moments.
This is an enjoyable film but I do not expect it to change anybody’s opinion of the former and possibly future president, whether they are supporters or opponents.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10