The Apprentice

Under ordinary circumstances, Sebastian Stan’s performance in the title role of The Apprentice would be considered caricature. But considering who he’s mimicking, it feels authentic.

Even if it’s not overtly political, it’s almost impossible to consider this biopic about the origin story of Donald Trump without preconceptions or partisan biases.

It shows in disturbing, calculated detail how the ex-president cultivated his addiction to greed and power, his excessively litigious tendencies, his financial and moral bankruptcy, and his salacious misogyny.

While Trump doesn’t favor subtlety or restraint, however, perhaps the movie should. It winds up as shallow and superficial as its subject — more of a curiosity piece than an expose. Despite a stylish re-creation of 1970s New York, the result is not as illuminating or provocative as intended.

The story opens with Trump trying to escape the shadow of his domineering real-estate mogul father (Martin Donovan) and finding a mentor instead with ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), a callous corporate fixer known for his shady tactics and alpha-male influence.

Sensing an opportunity, Trump launches luxury high-rise projects in New York — where he exploits tax loopholes despite the city being overrun by crime and socioeconomic despair — and later Atlantic City, often beyond his financial means. He rises in exclusive New York social circles, meeting and marrying Czech model Ivana (Maria Bakalova).

Trump evolves from an emotionally fragile sycophant to a megalomaniac who flaunts his arrogance and affluence while obsessing over self-image and the public spotlight. Of course, viewing it through a present-day lens, that’s hardly surprising.

Cohn also shapes Trump’s political beliefs and ego-driven hubris, along with his tendency to rely on hyperbolic insults rather than reasoned arguments in a thirst for vengeance on those who stand in his way. “You have to be willing to do anything to win,” growls Cohn, who realizes too late the monster he’s created.

Stan replicates Trump’s speech and mannerisms in ways that go beyond mere impersonation. Strong (“Succession”) employs a menacing monotone plus an array of twitches and tics.

From a desensitized contemporary perspective, it’s highly unlikely to move the needle in terms of public perception. Considering Trump’s polarizing nature, the film from Iranian director Ali Abbasi (Holy Spider) curiously lacks urgency and high stakes.

Like its subject, The Apprentice has a charismatic allure on the surface, but when you dig deeper, it’s full of hot air.

Rated R, 122 minutes.