What It’s About
In 1970s New York City, the young, ambitious Donald J. Trump (Stan) wants to take his father’s successful real-estate company to the next level by shifting its focus from the outer boroughs to the mecca of Manhattan. He finds a mentor in slick attorney Roy Cohn (Strong) who teaches him his cutthroat philosophy, including never admitting fault. But will Donald reciprocate and be there for him when Cohn faces hard times?
Why We Love It
Director Abbasi’s cynical tale may not please MAGA-world, but nevertheless presents a largely accurate and flavorful depiction of Trump’s early rise in New York real estate, largely guided by the unprincipled Cohn. Abbasi captures the “go go”, decadent feeling of the city in those days, but the film truly soars on the strength of two Oscar-nominated performances: Stan, who closely resembles the young Donald, captures his transformation from novice to self-proclaimed master of the deal, while Strong’s turn as the debauched Cohn allows us to see the lonely, miserable human being under all the flash and tough talk. Want to see how it all began? Catch “The Apprentice”.