The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Young Donald Trump, Roy Cohn, and the Dark Arts of Power
Sep 30, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Sebastian Stan shares insights on portraying a young Donald Trump, moving away from comedic caricature to a serious narrative. Jeremy Strong discusses embodying the influential, morally ambiguous lawyer Roy Cohn, revealing their turbulent mentor-protégé relationship. Gabriel Sherman, the film's executive producer, emphasizes its humanist approach and the controversial challenges faced in its production, including legal threats from Trump himself. The film dives deep into ambition and power brokering in New York's complex political landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- The film illustrates how Roy Cohn's mentorship profoundly influenced Donald Trump's approach to power, shaping his complex public persona.
- The narrative confronts ethical dilemmas surrounding Trump's character, highlighting moral ambiguities that invite reflection on his impact on society.
Deep dives
The Origins of Trump's Persona
The film delves into the formative years of Donald Trump's life, specifically how he was shaped by his relationship with Roy Cohn, a controversial lawyer known for his aggressive tactics. The narrative follows a younger Trump, portrayed as an ambitious real estate developer navigating the challenges posed by his father's legacy and societal expectations. Cohn, acting as a mentor, imparts the dark arts of power-brokering, teaching Trump to fight back against adversities in a way that would ultimately define his public persona. This exploration highlights the psychological complexity of their relationship, and how it set the stage for Trump's rise in the cutthroat world of New York real estate and politics.
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