Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan and Martin Donovan
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have built a legacy which is as strong as Jeremy Strong. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Strong has made great movies. Whether it’s political leaders, powerful protestors or investors, Strong has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Strong’s strength as an actor has always been strong commitment to his craft. Strong has often had a talent for stealing show in supporting roles. An actor with strong commitment toward his craft, Strong has become an icon in modern-day entertainment. Through his capabilities to portray characters that are compelling, Strong has built a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his role in the iconic television series “Succession”, Strong has created a bold legacy that’s lasting. Throughout his enduring career, Strong has made many unforgettable movies which are worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Strong and adore all the films that he has made in his career. However, “The Apprentice” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2024, Ali Abbasi’s film honoured the legacy of Donald Trump. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best political movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Jeremy Strong, who embodies a strong lawyer committing criminal activities. Ultimately, what makes “The Apprentice” a bold masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most political films, it discusses strong themes everyone will relate to. Viewers don’t need to be Trump supporters to appreciate it. A strong masterpiece about a celebrated politician, there are many reasons why “The Apprentice” is a film which is worth seeing.
Set in 1970’s New York, “The Apprentice” tells the true story of an apprentice’s rise towards prosperity. Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump, a bold apprentice that seeks success in competitive industry. Donald is an ambitious apprentice with dreams of achieving success in the world of politics. However, Donald’s life forever changes when he forms partnerships with a lawyer. Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong) is a cutthroat attorney that gives Donald the rare opportunity to turn his dreams into reality. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Donald begins to wonder whether it’s possible to become a political leader. Faced with an intense dilemma, Donald questions whether he can achieve success in the political world of America.
Ali Abbasi is a newcomer towards themes of politics. Before he directed “The Apprentice”, Abbasi had never made a political movie in his career before. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to honour the legacy of a legendary president in U.S. history, but he succeeded immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Abbasi captures the tensions faced by presidents in American history. Inspired by Adam McKay’s “Vice”, Abbasi uses point-of-view shots that capture tense hardships political leaders go through. For instance, point-of-view shots enhance the opening scene. During this tense scene, Donald Trump meets Roy Cohen for the first time in a local bar. Through point of view shots, Abbasi celebrates a politician that has value. Point of view shots are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” demonstrated, point of view shots elevate courtroom dramas. Nevertheless it works immensely in this film. Using engaging visuals, Abbasi captures the tension politicians are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Apprentice” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Abbasi expertly uses makeup to capture the distinct golden hair look of a legendary president in American history. Throughout the movie, the makeup captures the larger than life personality of a president in American history. For instance, makeup enhances the boardroom meeting scene. During this memorable scene, Donald pitches his idea for a hotel to a boardroom meeting. Through stunning makeup, Abbasi constructs a portrait of a politician which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. David Holmes’ music is key towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing heavy burden the politicians bear. Through strong production, Abbasi honours the legacy of a legendary politician.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Apprentice” is a political drama that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture tensions that politicians are facing. Throughout the movie, Abbasi deftly uses dramatic monologues to capture hardships politicians are experiencing. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the speech scene. During this intense scene, Donald experiences an argument with Roy Cohn regarding his plans of marriage. Through dramatic monologues, Abbasi creates a commemorated portrait of politicians that audiences could easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” suggested, dramatic monologues elevate commemorated racial segregation films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through a spectacular screenplay, Abbasi honours a legendary politician that is beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Jeremy Strong delivers one of his best career performances as Roy Cohn. Strong earned appreciation for portraying heroes in period dramas. With “The Apprentice”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary politician in American history but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments of a political leader facing tensions. It’s a bold performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood today.
Sebastian Stan is spectacular as a politician that has huge ambition to achieve recognition. Stan has spent most of his career portraying heroes in Marvel’s comic-book movies. With “The Apprentice”, however, he took upon his most complicated role. It isn’t simple to play a legendary politician in American history but he pulls it off successfully. It’s a role that gave the star the opportunities to showcase his talents for playing leaders in positions of power. It’s a fantastic performance by one of the greatest actors working today.
Finally, “The Apprentice” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing the tension faced by an apprentice. Unlike most films about political leaders, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, ambition and capitalism which would resonate with everyone. It delivers a profound message about government corruption which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Apprentice” is one of those rare political films everyone would adore.
Fans of Jeremy Strong will definitely enjoy “The Apprentice” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A bold political masterpiece, it honours an actor that is iconic.
Nearly 50 years after Donald Trump rose to popularity becoming a legendary businessman with strong aura in America, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with charisma that has proven he can excel making memorable movies in every genre which always attract audiences towards the cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 