The Apprentice: A Cinematic Exploration of Trump and Cohn’s Relationship

In “The Apprentice,” released on October 10, audiences are treated to a portrayal of former U.S. president Donald Trump that deconstructs his rise as a property mogul in the 1970s and 1980s. Sebastian Stan, cast as Trump, manages to capture the essence of the man, even if the physical resemblance oscillates between uncanny and unconvincing. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, is not a straightforward biopic but rather an exploration of the complexities and contradictions of Trump’s formative years.

Central to “The Apprentice” is the relationship between Trump and Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Cohn was a pivotal figure in Trump’s early career, serving as his mentor and confidante. The film portrays Cohn as a notorious lawyer and political fixer whose life was intertwined with controversy and power. His guidance is depicted as instrumental in shaping Trump’s aggressive business tactics and public persona.

Cohn’s own life was marked by contradictions; he was a closeted gay man who persecuted other homosexuals during the Lavender Scare. This duality is deftly handled by Abbasi, weaving a narrative that delves into both men’s psyches. The dynamic between Trump and Cohn is both fascinating and troubling, capturing Trump’s admiration for Cohn’s power and his eventual repudiation of Cohn during his struggle with AIDS.

Maria Bakalova portrays Ivana Trump, shown initially as a calculating presence in Trump’s life who evolves into a victim of his domineering behavior. The film touches on personal aspects of Trump’s life, including his relationship with his father and brother, although these elements sometimes feel obligatory rather than deeply examined.

The film, marketed as “an American horror story,” resists being pinned as a simple biopic. Abbasi labels it “a Frankenstein origin story,” indicating his intent to show Trump as a creation of his own ambitions and the influences around him. The stylistic choices, including the use of a VHS filter as the timeline progresses, contribute to a sense of unease and distortion, reflecting Trump’s shifting identities.

The reaction from the Trump camp has been predictably adversarial, with threats of legal action following its Cannes premiere. Despite this, Abbasi invited Trump to view the film, hinting at a portrayal that Trump might find intriguing in ways he might not expect.

“The Apprentice” offers a lens into Trump’s early life, capturing a man in the process of becoming a larger-than-life figure. Through its portrayal of Trump’s relationship with Cohn and the subsequent fallout, the film scrutinizes the line between image and authenticity, inviting viewers to ponder the lasting impact of this mentor-protégé relationship on both Trump’s personal and professional trajectories.