20/46
Longtime partner of Donald Trump and Roy M
Synopsis
The story of how a young Donald Trump started his real estate business in the 1970s and 1980s in New York with the help of infamous lawyer Roy M. Cohn. Cohn, Roger Stone admitted that Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Cohn was « uncanny in its accuracy. » [From the trailer] Roy Cohn: Rule Three: No matter what happens, claim victory and never admit defeat. Featured on The 7PM Project: Episode from October 11, 2024 (2024). Anti Anti AntiPerformed by consumersLicensed courtesy of Domino Publishing Company Limited, (PRS) obo In The Red RecordingsWritten by Paul B.
CutlerPublished by BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited
Good biopics focus on one aspect of someone’s life, and that’s exactly what « The Apprentice » does. In this case, it’s about Donald Trump’s business relationship with his lawyer Roy Cohn. It’s a great story: Trump, eager but inexperienced, learns the dirty tricks of business from Cohn. And then, when he’s learned all there is to learn, he turns his back on the man who has made him what he is. It’s great drama, and also very fun to watch.
The courtship between them is also a very entertaining part of the film
Ali Abassi really manages to recreate the « greed is good » vibe of the time, when honesty and integrity gave way to money and profit. Things move fast for Trump and for the viewer, particularly in the first part of the film. Watching Trump’s rise from a common rent collector at his father’s apartment complex to a powerful real estate developer is a great movie. In the second part, Cohn fades from importance to Trump, who is dating Ivana. In a way, it’s Jeremy Strong, in the role of Roy Cohn, who steals the show.
Yes and no
He is absolutely brilliant as the ruthless and unscrupulous lawyer. His three rules for doing business would become essential in Trump’s career. Sebastian Stan as Trump is also amazing: without going overboard, he displays some of Trump’s typical mannerisms. Even his way of speaking is perfect, without being a parody. Is it a political film?
The film ends in 1986, when Cohn dies
Essentially, it is the story of a businessman who makes it big in New York. At that time, Trump had not even begun his television career, let alone his political endeavours. But Abbasi could not resist the temptation to include the 1980 interview with Rona Barrett, in which he jokes about running for president. And the film opens with Nixon’s famous words about « not being a crook. » A subtle, but very clear message. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival and more.