Staff Reports
A new film about former President Donald Trump is generating buzz and not just for its subject matter but also for the intriguing insight offered by its screenwriter, Gabriel Sherman. Known for contributing to left-leaning publications like Vanity Fair and New York Magazine, Sherman has taken a surprising turn with “The Apprentice,” which explores Trump’s rise to power during the 70s and 80s. Given the source, it might not be the most favorable portrayal, but it’s bound to be an eye-opener for many.
The film portrays Trump not just as a businessman but as a relentless force, emphasizing his tireless determination to achieve his goals. According to Sherman, Trump didn’t just stumble into success; he bulldozed his way through obstacles using tactics he learned from his mentor, Roy Cohn. These lessons, it seems, included the kind of no-holds-barred strategies typical of a street-fighting politician, echoing the ethos of many on the right who appreciate a fighter.
REVIEW: ‘The Apprentice’ Is the Most Brutal Donald Trump Biopic Imaginable
It’s not like we didn’t know about Trump's horrible early years with Roy Cohn — but this look back doesn’t pull punches.
More on the movie: https://t.co/p4R3JKOkq0 pic.twitter.com/PTi4zw1lCz
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 14, 2024
Sherman explains that Cohn’s three rules are the backbone of Trump’s political playbook. The principles include attacking opponents vigorously, denying accusations no matter how damning, and claiming victories even when the scoreboard seems to say otherwise. These strategic maneuvers have become a hallmark of Trump’s style, and they provide a fascinating lens through which audiences can view his campaigns. It’s almost as if Sherman is inadvertently honoring the right’s appreciation for bold leadership.
It’s particularly noteworthy that as Sherman did his research, he found consistent themes in Trump’s ideology from as early as the 1970s. The idea that America was losing respect on the global stage and was “being ripped off” resonates with the sentiments shared by many conservative voters today. It’s as if Trump was planting the seeds of his future presidential campaign long before politics became a reality TV show, which, interestingly enough, he would one day dominate.
The film also sheds light on the audacity of young Trump, who dared to build luxury properties in a crumbling New York City. This entrepreneurial spirit and determination at such a young age are traits that many in the conservative camp admire. In a climate where everyone else saw doom, Trump saw opportunity, and that essence is captured in Sherman’s portrayals. His journey from a young dreamer to the White House is not just compelling but an essential narrative of American tenacity, something that conservatives cherish deeply.
In an era where more Americans are looking for leaders who won’t back down, Sherman’s portrayal may just remind viewers why Trump’s candidacy ignited such fervor in the first place—relentlessness is not just a trait; it’s the backbone of the American spirit. This film might just do what most political narratives fail to achieve: it could rally conservatives by showcasing a man who embodies the very essence of fighting for what he believes in.
