The Apprentice (2024)

Top comments

1. 

   NourNasreldin

   Ali Abbasi’s vision is subtle, and it’s in this restraint that the film finds its power.
   
   The Apprentice is a remarkable Frankenstein’s Monster-type biopic that blends narrative precision with visual flair. Director Ali Abbasi uses editing and cinematography choices to mirror the tech and aesthetic of each decade portrayed in Donald Trump's rise. This brilliant approach acts as a visual commentary on how Trump’s life, from day one, has been publicly scrutinized, with the evolving style reflecting both societal change and Trump's constant presence in the public eye.
   
   Abbasi could have taken the easy route in The Apprentice by depicting Donald Trump as a caricature; a bumbling, exaggerated figure more suited for a Looney Tunes animation than a nuanced biopic, especially since the director himself was once banned from entering the US to attend the premiere of his own film due to Trump’s imposed travel ban as president, why? Abbasi is half-Iranian. 

   
   Given Trump's larger-than-life persona and public controversies, this approach would have been an understandable choice for a film looking to cash in on humor or satire. However, Abbasi was only drawn to the project after reading countless Trump-related scripts and finally finding one that took a deeper, more analytical dive into Trump’s psychology.
   
   Abbasi saw an opportunity not to mock, but to explore how a man like Trump is shaped by his experiences and choices, transforming over time into something much darker.

The film takes a measured, insightful approach, showing how ambition, mentorship, and moral ambiguity converge to turn a man into a monster.
   
   As Trump’s mentor Roy Cohn, Jeremy Strong delivers a performance that can only be described as a masterclass in acting. Known for his dedication to portraying complex characters, Strong brings meticulous precision to the role. His embodiment of Cohn’s morally ambiguous yet powerful influence on Trump is chilling, and his method acting is on full display, adding layers to an already multi-faceted character.

   
   Sebastian Stan, stepping into Trump’s shoes, proves himself to be a versatile actor in this film. While I always recognized Stan's talent, The Apprentice puts him firmly on the map as someone capable of immense range, seamlessly moving through Trump's various stages of life. He balances the charm (Yes, charm. How do you think he reached his current level of success?) and darkness of his character with nuance, ensuring that the audience sees both the ambition and the moral descent of Trump. 

   
   What sets this film apart is its focus. From the opening to the closing, the narrative moves with exquisite smoothness, never losing sight of its core purpose; illustrating how Donald Trump was made. Abbasi’s storytelling is tight and purposeful, charting Trump’s trajectory from young businessman to political figure with clarity and insight, ensuring the film feels cohesive and engaging from start to finish.

   
   Every element, from the directing to the visual choices, comes together to create a beautifully unsettling film. It’s easily one of the top five films I’ve seen this year. 1 month 1 week ago
2. 

   CodeV

   Ther are killers and there are losers. You don't need to like Trump but this movie helps to understand Donald Trump's context and philosophy.
   Best actor award: Jeremy Strong as lawyer Roy Cohn. 1 month 2 weeks ago
3. 

   JimiAntiloop

   I'm going to say that it will be an all-time classic! Everything is very on point and cinematically first-class, also strong acting.
   
   Journalistically fact-based script!
   That can’t be emphasized enough.
   
   Wake up Republicans!
   
   It really should get a few Oscar nominations.
   Let's see. 1 month ago

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