EIFF film review: ‘The Apprentice’

The Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF), which ran from September 26 – October 5, is an annual event that strives to showcase both local and international cinema. Among the ranks of many indie films was The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi. The film follows a young Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan) as he navigates the cut-throat world of New York real estate and forges a bond with famed lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). 

The Apprentice, first and foremost, is a masterclass in performance. Stan’s portrayal of Trump is quite different from the cartoonish, parody impressions we are so used to seeing. The distinction between Stan and every third-rate comedian who can do the “Donald Trump voice” is very apparent. His impression is initially quite subtle. He starts with small references to Trump’s signature speech and mannerisms. In the beginning of the film, he portrays Trump as a hungry, spoiled young man who desperately wants to make his own fortune. It is a much more subdued version of the colossal man we’re so used to.

As the film goes on, he gains more power, and becomes more obnoxious and ridiculous with each deal sealed. The progression of his character from a cocky young buck to blowhard billionaire is a beautiful demonstration of fine acting. Stan’s performance humanizes a man usually depicted as a cartoon villain. While the film does not excuse his behaviour, it skillfully avoids alienating its audience by portraying a complex protagonist. 

Strong flawlessly portrays an abhorrent villain. Cohn was a notorious lawyer who helped Trump build his real estate empire. Strong’s ability to paint such a grotesque man, and then later break the audience’s heart, is superb. Both Stan and Strong take two terrible men and add complexity to them in a way only a superior performance can. 

The Apprentice arrives at a time of peak political anxiety in the United States (U.S.). While the film takes place decades before Trump’s presidency, it does not shy away from its perspective on the matter. The movie opens with a tongue-in-cheek clip of Richard Nixon amidst the Watergate scandal. The film continuously fires Nixon-related shots throughout, emphasizing that a convicted criminal has no place in the oval office. The Apprentice is not only a study in the dynamics of power and toxic masculinity in an atmosphere of ruthless ambition. It is also a warning to the American public. 

The Apprentice takes a long, hard look at the successful men of America’s past (and present), and demands the audience’s discomfort. While many will squirm at the sheer horror of the actions of these men, the film can’t help but be engaging — even if it is only from a grotesque fascination. The sheets that cover the shady dealings behind the scenes are ripped away and the audience is left with the slimy truth. The sheer speed and power with which Trump becomes the detestable windbag as we know him today is staggering. The combination of outstanding acting and unbridled, disgusting male ambition makes this film a captivating watch.