Preview of THE APPRENTICE by Ali Abbasi at SILENCIO DES PRÉS

Dear Shaded Viewers,

Last night, I attended a screening of “The Apprentice,” a compelling new film by Iranian director Ali Abbasi. At its core, this is a nuanced portrayal of a young Donald Trump, brilliantly brought to life by Sebastian Stan. Far from a caricature, Stan’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety, gradually incorporating Trump’s iconic gestures and mannerisms as the story unfolds.The film offers a balanced view of Trump’s early career, showcasing both his business acumen and his missteps.

Notably, it steers clear of his later political career and reality TV fame, focusing instead on his formative years in 1970s New York.Abbasi’s direction evokes the gritty aesthetic of 70s television, with handheld camerawork lending an intimate, documentary-like feel to the proceedings. The narrative pivots around Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn, the ruthless attorney portrayed with chilling intensity by Jeremy Strong. Strong’s Cohn, bronze-skinned and hollow-eyed, emerges as a Machiavellian mentor, molding the ambitious Trump into his ideal protégé.

One of the film’s most striking elements is its exploration of the “win at all costs” mentality that Cohn instills in Trump. The attorney’s mantra of always claiming victory, regardless of the outcome, resonates ominously with Trump’s later public persona.

“The Apprentice” is, above all, an engrossing character study. It paints a vivid picture of Trump as the hungry second son of a wealthy family, driven by raw ambition and a thirst for success. Through Cohn’s influence, we witness the genesis of the Donald Trump that would later dominate American culture and politics.

Set for theatrical release on October 9th, “The Apprentice” promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of power, ambition, and the making of a modern American icon. And as a last comment, please go out and vote, most voters have already made up their minds so I truly doubt the film will change their votes but God willing we will not see a continuation of what we all lived through during his time in office.