The Year of Actor Sebastian Stan (‘The Apprentice’)
Dec 15, 2024
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Sebastian Stan, acclaimed for his role as Bucky Barnes in the MCU, dives into his transformative portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice. He shares insights from his research on 1970s-1980s New York City and reflects on his Romanian upbringing and the complex reality of the American dream. The conversation touches on the impact of Jonathan Demme on his craft and the emotional depth in A Different Man. Sebastian also discusses the entertainment industry's response to controversial narratives and the significance of embracing vulnerability in his artistic journey.
Sebastian Stan emphasizes the extensive research he conducted to embody Donald Trump in The Apprentice, focusing on physicality and mannerisms.
The podcast delves into Stan's Romanian upbringing and how his nomadic childhood shapes his understanding of identity and reinvention in his roles.
Stan's portrayal of Trump challenges traditional narratives by humanizing him, prompting audiences to reflect on the complexities of ambition and the American dream.
Deep dives
Subaru's Commitment to Giving
The holiday season brings a focus on giving, exemplified by Subaru's 'Share the Love' event, which has been ongoing for 17 years. During this time, buying or leasing a new Subaru results in a minimum donation of $300 to charity, highlighting the brand's commitment to social responsibility. By the end of this year's event, Subaru and its retailers will have contributed nearly $320 million to both national and local charities, fostering community engagement and support for those in need. This initiative transforms the act of purchasing a vehicle into an act of love and purpose, encouraging customers to participate in charitable giving.
Sebastian Stan's Dual Career
Sebastian Stan has gained prominence through his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has allowed him to explore a diverse range of projects simultaneously. This dual career path has facilitated memorable performances in other notable films like 'Black Swan' and 'The Martian,' showcasing his versatility as an actor. Collaborating with director Craig Gillespie, Stan's portrayal of complex characters in 'I, Tonya' and the limited series 'Pam and Tommy' further demonstrates his skill in embodying real-life figures. Such experiences have enriched his craft and prepared him for the unique challenge of playing Donald Trump in the film 'The Apprentice'.
The Challenge of Playing Trump
In the film 'The Apprentice,' Stan portrays a young Donald Trump during his early career in New York's real estate scene, exploring the character's ambition and ruthless desire for success. The story reveals Trump's formative relationships, notably with attorney Roy Cohn, reflecting the complex dynamics of power and human ambition. Stan's performance diverges from traditional portrayals by presenting Trump as a soft-spoken and insecure individual rather than the brash figure often depicted in media. This nuanced representation aims to humanize Trump, prompting audiences to consider the darker aspects of his pursuit of the American dream.
Research and Immersion for Authenticity
To prepare for his role, Stan undertook extensive research, diving deep into Trump's early life and career through biographies and archival footage. This meticulous process included editing together hours of video to closely study Trump's physicality and mannerisms, akin to learning a musical instrument, immersing himself in the character. Stan described the experience as 'psychotic,' emphasizing how it consumed his thoughts and influenced his daily life, affecting even his sleep. Such dedication was driven by a desire to accurately capture the essence of Trump, highlighting the importance of understanding a character's psychology for a compelling portrayal.
Exploring Themes of Identity and Reinvention
Through his experiences and roles, Stan reflects on the themes of identity, reinvention, and the struggle for self-understanding, which resonate deeply with his background as an immigrant. His personal journey, marked by living in multiple countries and adapting to new cultures, influences his approach to characters grappling with their own identities. This exploration of what it means to reinvent oneself is also central to his portrayal of Trump and other characters, tying their stories to a broader commentary on the American dream. By examining the complexities of ambition and power, Stan invites audiences to reconsider their perceptions of public figures and recognize the shared human struggles beneath the surface.
Actor Sebastian Stan has built a career out of shapeshifting.
This week, he joins us to discuss the process of transforming into Donald J. Trump in The Apprentice (8:27), his personal relationship to the American dream (15:35), and the extensive research that went into recreating 1970s-1980s New York City in the film (17:27). Then, we unpack Sebastian’s Romanian upbringing (29:00), the gift of his unconventional, nomadic childhood (34:40), and what the film represents in this post-Election moment (38:30).
On the back-half, we talk about the impact of the late director Jonathan Demme (50:45), Stan’s radical and stunning work in A Different Man (55:08), what both of his new films reveal about reality (59:14), and what the silencing of The Apprentice—and his Actors on Actors shutout—reveals about the entertainment industry (1:00:00). To close, a reflection about control and how Sebastian embraces everyday life (1:17:55).