For Sebastian Stan, 'The Apprentice' Playing In Theaters Was The Win
Feb 11, 2025
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Sebastian Stan, an Oscar-nominated actor for his role as Donald Trump, reflects on his journey from Romania to Hollywood. He shares vivid memories of growing up during the fall of communism and his father's influence on his pursuit of the American Dream. Stan discusses the emotional highs and lows of awards season, emphasizing personal growth over accolades. He also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of adapting to new cultures and the sacrifices made by his family, all while navigating the complexities of his acting career.
Sebastian Stan emphasizes the challenge of authentically portraying Trump by capturing his complex behavior without resorting to caricature, highlighting the intricacies of character study.
Stan reflects on the societal implications of beauty and disability through his role in A Different Man, advocating for empathy and understanding over superficial judgment.
Deep dives
Sebastian Stan's Portrayal of Donald Trump
Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump in the film The Apprentice, which highlights a formative period in Trump's life as he begins to carve his path in real estate amidst controversy, including a lawsuit against his father's company for racial discrimination. Stan emphasizes the challenge of capturing Trump's voice and mannerisms authentically without leaning into caricature, recognizing that Trump’s public persona has evolved over the years. The role required extensive preparation, including improvisation during scenes, showcasing Stan's dedication to embodying the complexities of Trump's character as he engages with key figures like New York City Mayor Ed Koch. This approach not only presents Trump’s ambitions but also explores the psychological mechanisms he employs to navigate his world, revealing a deeper understanding of the character.
Insights on Trump's Tactics and Political Landscape
Stan discusses how playing Trump allowed him to witness and analyze the predictable patterns in Trump's behavior, particularly his strategies of victimhood and blame, which were influenced significantly by mentor Roy Cohn. He recognizes the underlying rage and insecurity that shape Trump’s actions, stemming from a tumultuous childhood and a continuous need for validation. This reflection is bolstered by Stan's observations of Trump's post-presidential tactics, where he still exhibits a denial of reality and manipulation of narratives to maintain his influence. Stan articulates how these dynamics contribute to a broader understanding of the political environment shaped by Trump's presidency, highlighting the societal implications of such behavior.
The Challenges of Empathy and Representation in Acting
Stan acknowledges the difficult balance of empathy required when portraying a controversial figure like Trump, emphasizing the importance of understanding the character's background without condoning his actions. He discusses personal experiences of alienation and feeling powerless during his early life, drawing parallels to how these feelings may resonate with Trump. The conversation reveals how artists must navigate their emotional responses to characters while embodying them realistically, which can be a taxing yet enlightening process. Stan's journey illustrates the intricacies of character study, especially in roles that provoke strong public opinions.
Reflections on Looks and Society from A Different Man
In A Different Man, Stan plays a character affected by neurofibromatosis, which prompts him to reflect on societal perceptions of beauty and the impact of looks on interpersonal relationships. He draws from his own experiences of feeling like an outsider due to his background and cultural differences, paralleling this with the emotional struggles of his character. The film and Stan's accompanying research challenge societal narratives around disability and disfigurement, emphasizing the need for genuine curiosity and understanding rather than pity. Through this role, Stan not only showcases the resilience of his character but also sheds light on the broader thematic issues regarding how society treats those who deviate from conventional standards of beauty.
Sebastian Stan is up for an Oscar for his portrayal of President Trump early in his career, when Roy Cohn was his lawyer and mentor. Stan says Cohn schooled Trump in "denying reality and reshaping the truth." He spoke with Terry Gross about his childhood in Romania, wearing prosthetics for A Different Man, and his breakthrough role on Law & Order.
