Just released in Palace Cinemas this week is a biopic of Donald Trump’s exploits from around 1970 to the mid 80’s.
These were extremely formative years for the young, ambitious property developer Trump and it mostly examines the influence and mentorship of high profile New York attorney Roy Cohn.
Trump met the older and more experienced Cohn in an exclusive members bar in Manhattan. It wasn’t overly clear how Trump was accepted into the establishment or why Cohn found Trump so desirable, but it doesn’t matter at the end of the day.
What is fascinating is how Cohn quickly manipulates Trump into his handbook of ‘how to do business the unethical way’ starting with the acquittal of charges laid against Trump and his father’s business.
This could well have ended Trump’s career right there and then with bankruptcy but Cohn miraculously produced some mitigating evidence against the prosecution behind the scenes that brought the trial to a halt.
It fascinated Trump and before long Cohn shows him his secret stash of recordings and pornographic photos that he could hold like a gun to head of some of New York’s prominent establishment.
As the film progresses, we see Trump gain more confidence and arrogance that ultimately will define his career.
Some of the mantra that Cohn taught Trump is:
Deny Everything
The world is a mess, you have to attack
There is no such thing as truth
Never admit you lost
Always say you’ve won
Sound familiar? Its almost his January 6 speech wrapped up in one.
As he starts getting tax breaks building new skyscrapers, Trump gets richer and pushes those around him further away including the man who kickstarted everything, Cohn.
Trump turns his back on his alcoholic brother just when he needed him, ignores Cohn who is dying from Aids and assaults his wife Ivana, all the while attending to liposuction and plastic surgery to form that hairpiece he now possesses.
In fact, this is one of the most despicable individuals in history. No he’s not on the podium with Hitler or Stalin, however when it comes to being completely devoid of values and fairness, Trump takes the cake.
I wasn’t familiar with Sebastian Stan’s work previously, but his performance as Trump is superb. The mannerism’s, gait and speech were amazing.
Jeremy Strong who plays Cohn has a strong history in dramatic acting and he is brilliant as the scheming and highly intelligent Cohn.
This is the third major feature for Iranian director Ali Abbasi and all have had critical acclaim. He has filmed this slightly grainy which suits the costumes of the 70’s with their beige and browns. It also enhances the scenes of 70’s New York and it’s post-Nixon degradation and slums.
If you’re like me and still can’t believe Trump was once in charge of the big red button, then this excellent film will perhaps reinforce your disbelief that a dangerous and spineless fool such as this ever made it to President of the USA. 8/10
