A Glimpse into the Rise of a Mogul at Cannes
In the glamorous setting of the Cannes Film Festival, a new drama has taken center stage, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. “The Apprentice,” directed by Iran-born Ali Abbasi, chronicles the early days of a young Donald Trump and his journey to becoming a New York real estate mogul. The film’s debut comes at a pivotal moment as Trump, now at the age of 77, gears up for another presidential run.
The title “The Apprentice” resonates with viewers, echoing the reality TV show that catapulted Trump into fame. In an impressive transformation, actor Sebastian Stan, known for his role in the Captain America series, embodies Trump’s evolution from an ambitious entrepreneur working in his father’s company to a bold and self-absorbed business magnate.
Central to the narrative is Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn, a notorious political strategist linked to Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist crusades. Jeremy Strong of “Succession” fame delivers a compelling portrayal of Cohn, whose three cardinal rules for success—deny everything, always attack, and never concede defeat—seem to foreshadow Trump’s future political demeanor.
Director Abbasi brings his unique cinematic vision to “The Apprentice,” following his diverse body of work that includes the 2022 Cannes contender “Holy Spider” and the fantastical Swedish romance “Border.” While critics have lauded the performances of Stan and Strong, they have also noted the challenges of dramatizing Trump’s life. Variety described Stan’s performance as one that captures every aspect of Trump except his enigma. Meanwhile, IndieWire suggested that Trump’s overtly controversial nature poses difficulties for creating compelling drama.
The film’s exploration of Trump’s formative years offers a rare look at the experiences that shaped one of the most divisive figures in modern politics. As audiences digest this portrayal amid an election year, “The Apprentice” stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with Donald Trump’s complex persona.
