The Apprentice
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Before his 14 seasons hosting his own television show and his eventual term as President of the United States, Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan) was infamous in New York City as a real estate mogul. His rise to success was managed closely by his lawyer and politically connected kingmaker, Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). Their relationship and deals were complemented by the ever-changing landscape of the Big Apple and the shifting sands of the political landscape.
Understandably, any film involving the current Republican candidate would be held with scepticism. Hence, the opening credits statement that much of the story is a dramatisation and artistic license is taken of Donald Trump’s life. Yet, director Ali Abbasi’s film should get some attention from those curious about the mythology behind the man running for President once again. The production is brilliantly and convincingly set in the '70s and '80s during Donald Trump’s rise to prominence in real estate and the city. Still, the story from author and journalist Gabriel Sherman is as much a statement of the man behind the curtain, Roy Cohn, as it is about his protegee. The powerful lawyer and political pundant’s personal life is exposed with as much vitriol and is as raw as that of Donald’s from the opening act to the closing credits.
As the apparent moral cesspool of both men’s lives is depicted on screen with all we know from today’s media that makes most of the details plausible despite being labelled as fiction. From the influence of the Trump family to the marriage to Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova) to Cohen’s closeted homosexuality, each element squares with all that has been written about both men throughout history. Very little is kept from the audience as this journey through the decades shows how both men eventually pay for their hidden indiscretions to some degree. Trump goes from being a naive ladder-climber to turning into the vicious businessman that Cohen hopes to create. Interestingly, this Doctor Frankenstein-like comparison leads to the former political manipulator becoming a vulnerable pyuria to his closest friends and society.
Sebastian Stan goes all in as he looks to embody this larger-than-life character who has come to influence the world for better or worse. Yet, Jeremy Strong’s performance stands out in this tale of moral depravity, shining a dim and distasteful light on America’s business community and politics. The Apprentice will divide audiences more than educate them, as it will cause some to support the message of this film as it shows what everyone assumes about the character of Donald Trump. While it will anger those who follow him as the saviour of society. In the end, no one prevails through this narrative as the film reflects the reality show it borrows its name from, as it employs rumours powdered with myth and plausible truths that will make us ponder why we are entertained by this at all.
REEL DIALOGUE: What is the Bible’s view on politics?
Titus 3:9 - But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
People have managed to thrive despite the impact of the government on their lives. Mankind has flourished under antagonistic, repressive governmental systems as well as forms of government that promote more human freedoms. The critical thing to understand is that governments are not a means of salvation but a necessary factor in the human experience.
The Bible does not make political activism the primary purpose of humanity. The mission of believers in Christ is less about political reform. It should focus on changing the hearts of their fellow human beings through the Word of God. When people make Christ the primary focus and work to spread the Gospel, real change occurs.
Verses on government: Matthew 22:17-21, Romans 13:1-7
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