As Sebastian Stan prepares for one of his most audacious roles to date, the intrigue surrounding his portrayal of Donald Trump in “The Apprentice” is palpable. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, is poised to hit theaters just as the electoral climate intensifies, resonating with undecided voters in a time of political flux. Stan recently spoke candidly about the arduous process of getting into the mindset of one of America’s most polarizing figures, illustrating the craft of acting as more than just a performance; it’s an emotional and intellectual commitment.
In his appearance on the Today show, Stan injected humor into the discussion, likening his role to a Marvel film—a tongue-in-cheek remark that speaks to the contrasts between superhero narratives and political dramas. Yet beneath the levity, he underscored the serious nature of his preparation. “There’s a lot of research out there,” he noted, emphasizing the extensive footage and documentaries chronicling Trump’s ascent from a real estate mogul to a political titan. For Stan, embodying such a complex character is akin to mastering a musical instrument; it requires discipline, practice, and ultimately achieving a level of comfort that allows the performance to flow seemingly naturally.
The film narrates Trump’s early ambitions, charting his controversial partnership with Roy Cohn, a character portrayed by method acting heavyweight Jeremy Strong. This connection is crucial, not only to the narrative but also to the real-world implications it holds. The dynamic between the ambitious youth and Cohn, a notorious figure in right-wing legal circles, offers a nuanced perspective on ambition and moral compromise in American politics.
Alongside Stan and Strong, the film also features a strong supporting cast, including Martin Donovan as Fred Trump Sr. and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, promising a multi-faceted view of the Trump family dynamics as they intertwined with his rise to power. The cinematic choices made in portraying these characters will undoubtedly evoke discussion about the nature of familial influence on ambition.
The world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival drew significant attention, receiving an enthusiastic 11-minute standing ovation that underscored a divide in public sentiment. However, the film’s reception has not been without its challenges. In a surprising twist, Trump’s campaign issued a cease-and-desist letter to prevent its release in the United States—a move that highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump’s legacy. Yet, despite attempts to quash its public availability, the film has continued to screen, including at the recent Telluride Film Festival, sparking fervent conversations about political portrayals in cinema.
As the release date of “The Apprentice” approaches, particularly on October 11, this film stands as more than just a cinematic work; it is a cultural artifact that coincides with one of the most critical times in contemporary politics. With the premiere aligning with a pivotal election season, the film takes on a new dimension, aimed at sparking discourse among audiences. Stan’s transformation into Trump signifies an exploration of power, morality, and the price of ambition—offering not only entertainment but also a profound inquiry into the fabric of American politics.