Under the direction of Ali Abbasi, “The Apprentice”presents a biographical narrative that explores Donald Trump’s ascent as a notable figure in New York’s real estate scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The film also delves into his connection with Roy Cohn, an attorney and mentor who perceives Trump’s ambition and potential.
Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Trump, while Jeremy Strong portrays Cohn. The film adeptly addresses themes such as the pursuit of power, relentless ambition, and the murky ethics of the corporate landscape. It’s receiving acclaim for its insightful commentary on corporate greed and the intricacies of power dynamics.
For viewers who appreciated “The Apprentice,”a selection of similar films exploring the seductive nature of power and fame’s complex morality is listed below.
Films Similar to The Apprentice: Including The Social Network and The Founder
1) Wall Street – Available on Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Oliver Stone, “Wall Street”showcases a captivating crime drama featuring Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen. The story revolves around Bud Fox (Sheen), a driven stockbroker who enters the cutthroat world of finance, mentored by the unscrupulous corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Douglas).
Much like “The Apprentice,”this film portrays the insatiable hunger and greed associated with power, shedding light on the moral deterioration that can accompany unchecked ambition within the fiercely competitive sphere of stock trading.
2) The Social Network – Available on Amazon Prime Video
“The Social Network,”helmed by David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, chronicles the birth of the social media giant Facebook, drawing inspiration from Ben Mezrich’s book. This biographical drama captures the journey of Mark Zuckerberg from his college days at Harvard to the challenges faced while launching Facebook, delving into his relentless ambition and conflicts with former associates. Similar to “The Apprentice,”it emphasizes the rise of a driven individual.
3) I, Tonya – Available on Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Craig Gillespie, “I, Tonya,”starring Margot Robbie, is a biographical dark comedy that tells the story of American figure skater Tonya Harding. The film navigates her rocky career, personal struggles, and numerous scandals, including the infamous attack on her competitor Nancy Kerrigan in 1994.
Robbie’s portrayal of Harding captures her conflicted role as both victim and aggressor in a ruthless competitive environment. Like “The Apprentice,”the film underscores how the pursuit of fame can taint personal integrity and legacy.
4) The Founder – Available on Amazon Prime Video
“The Founder,”directed by John Lee Hancock and featuring Michael Keaton, Laura Dern, and others, chronicles the story of Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into a global fast-food phenomenon. The movie follows Kroc’s journey from salesperson to the architect of McDonald’s worldwide success.
Keaton embodies Kroc, showcasing his fierce ambition and cunning strategies that align closely with the themes of “The Apprentice.”Both films focus on driven moguls with a desire to dominate their industries.
5) Goodfellas – Available on Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Goodfellas”is a renowned biographical gangster film featuring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta. It narrates the life of mob associate Henry Hill, documenting his ascent and descent from the 1950s to the 1980s.
This film provides a nuanced perspective on the glamorous yet brutal world of organized crime, with themes of corruption, treachery, and rivalry echoing the narrative of “The Apprentice,”showcasing the rise of an individual consumed by ambition.
6) American Gangster – Available on Amazon Prime Video
Featuring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, “American Gangster,”directed by Ridley Scott, is a crime drama based on the life of Frank Lucas, a drug lord who infamously smuggled heroin via military aircraft returning from Vietnam. Washington plays Lucas, illustrating his rise from driver to becoming Harlem’s most notorious drug kingpin through ruthless tactics and innovative strategies, paralleling “The Apprentice”in exploring the lives of tenacious characters.
7) Nixon – Available on Amazon Prime Video
“Nixon,”a historical drama directed by Oliver Stone, details the complex political rise and personal journey of Richard Nixon, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins. The film examines Nixon’s tumultuous presidency, characterized by various scandals, including the infamous Watergate incident, and dives into his ambitious yet paranoid psyche. Similar to “The Apprentice,”it highlights the moral dilemmas associated with the pursuit of power.
All of the films mentioned above are accessible on Amazon Prime Video.
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