Unmasking the Apprentice: A Chilling Portrayal of Trump's Rise to Power

The new film "The Apprentice," directed by Ali Abbasi, offers a captivating and unsettling exploration of the relationship between Donald J. Trump and his mentor, the notorious attorney Roy Cohn. Through a series of pivotal moments, the film delves into the formative years that shaped the future president, revealing the dark forces that propelled his ascent to power.

Unveiling the Makings of a Tyrant

The Mentor and the Protégé

The film follows the dynamic between Trump (portrayed by Sebastian Stan) and his mentor, Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), as they navigate the cutthroat world of New York real estate and politics. Cohn, a powerful political fixer known for his work with Senator Joseph McCarthy, takes the young Trump under his wing, imparting the three rules that would come to define the future president's modus operandi: attack, attack, attack; admit nothing, deny everything; and always claim victory, never admit defeat.

The Transformation of a Narcissist

As the film progresses, we witness the gradual transformation of Trump from a naive striver to a ruthless, power-hungry individual. Empowered by his own hubris and fueled by a relentless appetite for success, Trump's narcissism and psychopathy become increasingly malignant. The film's style and performances evolve to capture the changing eras, reflecting the environments in which the media-obsessed Trump thrives.

The Creation of a Monster

The film's climactic scene, set at Mar-a-Lago during Cohn's birthday celebration, serves as a chilling realization for the ailing, AIDS-stricken Cohn. As Trump presents an American flag-shaped birthday cake, Cohn is forced to confront the monster he has created – a man for whom America is nothing more than a punchline, a plaything to be consumed and devoured.

The Lasting Impact

"The Apprentice" serves as a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive influence of power. The film's exploration of Trump's formative years and the lessons imparted by Cohn provides a sobering insight into the foundations of the former president's governing philosophy, which has had a profound impact on the United States.

A Haunting Reflection

Abbasi and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman's approach to the film is both subtle and powerful. They present the audience with a plainly obvious depiction of how a man can transform into a monster, leaving the viewer to grapple with the unsettling implications. The film's ability to humanize Trump while simultaneously revealing the darkness within him is a testament to the filmmakers' skill and the power of the medium to shape our understanding of history.