Trump: An American Dream episode one review: Manhattan

Reviewing episode one of the critically acclaimed Channel 4 documentary available on Netflix: Trump: An American Dream – Manhattan.

Well, well, well – where does an English, fairly liberal-minded person begin reviewing a comprehensive life story of Donald Trump? I’ll tell you where: completely impartially with episode one of this documentary, Trump: An American Dream.

I’m not sure the producers and writers had the same approach in mind for this piece:

"“In the 1970s, Donald Trump emerges from his father’s shadow and negotiates a huge real estate deal, then sets his sights on building his namesake tower.”– Trump: An American Dream – Channel 4/Netflix/72 films"

An accurate, if slightly judgemental synopsis for the programme. Supplemented by a rather revealing introduction shot of the 45th President of the United States practising, with conviction, his first presidential speech for Congress in the back of his ultra-protective limousine.

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We’ve never seem a head of state practising his words before; mouthing them like a child readying for a recital or school play. It’s usually done behind closed doors – especially if one cannot read closed mouthed. It’s subtle, unnerving symbolism representing the fact that this man has the most power over life and death in the world.

Of course Trump’s famous, occasionally disgusting, attitude and temperament heightens global anxiousness. Along with the pained look on his face and the deathly ominous accompanying intro music here. Rain splashes down to wash away his sins; as wife, and First Lady, Melania simultaneously smiles unnervingly.

Channel 4 Television and 72 films really knew exactly how to impact the viewer in their opening scene. Ironically the audience will be polarised to begin with: roughly half will support, and half protest Trump’s reign. Therefore some so called ‘deplorables’ may see his rehearsal as statesman-like. It is not. It is enlightening adolescent in actuality – as is Trump’s narcissistic psyche.

‘Manhattan’s’ substance and early story

We are informed that this production aims to educate us of:

"“Who he [Trump] really is; and how he became President – by those who have known him over 50 years… friends and enemies.”"

A transition to media personality through essentially dethroning a Mayor is a large factor.

A sociopathic thinker like Trump processes as a killer does – as his father, Fred, implored his son to do – so the exponentially tough, brutal late 70s and intense 80s New York City suited him. Actually, when we are introduced to 70s Donald in interview footage, he is handsome, charismatic and eloquent.

It must be noted that the editing and seamless implementing of old footage cuts together with modern interviewing perfectly. Building rapport with important people, imaginary or real, and alienating others as he goes.

Trump’s father was strong and dynamic, according to Donald, but described as stern by someone else who knew the elder Trump. Sending Donald to military school at age-13 certainly gives the clear indication of an authoritarian who influenced his son’s persona greatly. The son becomes dominant, determined and ruthless – whether the academy assisted this nurture is another question.

Fear city – as NYC was known in these days due to its bankruptcy and exorbitant homicide rate – provided a breeding ground for the strong of stomach and “stealthy”. Donald can buy cheap, curry nefarious favour with politicians and build big – with regards to his contentious tax break; loan capacity; building size; and wallet.

A commenter proclaims:

"“…taking advantage of crisis.”"

Characteristics of Trump: An American Dream

An entertainingly fascinating documentary opening; which provides vivid implications and nuggets of information to its observers. For example ‘The Donald’s’ unwillingness to learn important details of others, clashes with his efforts to impress; as he forgets an acquaintance’s father’s death, twice.

Glimpses explain Donald’s relationship with his first wife, Ivana; how opulence, passion and efficiency brought them together – and eventually drove them apart. Other insight comes from his former trusted female building site manager and, strangely a bodyguard/chauffeur.

The ‘Five Families’ mafia lawyer Roy Cohn was also Trump’s protector and adviser. Cohn’s own family member is involved in production and explains his hate, as well as his own interesting enchantment with him. Marrying these personalities is definitely a crime of passion and one of the most intriguing elements of the presentation.

Outlining where Trump’s motives lie, his friends, colleagues and associates tell us of his ambition to better his father – read into that what you will – firstly by moving the family business from Brooklyn to the world stage in Manhattan and innovatively inventing ‘buying air’. Secondly by becoming the country’s most important person. Grandeur is the order of the day: from the regular Cadillac back in the day, to the tank-esque one, still chauffeured, for him now.

Next. Murder Mountain: Enter the surreal, disturbing world of Humboldt County. dark

This is enjoyable, yet mildly worrying, documentary is highly recommended by Show Snob – five out of five stars, in fact. Watch out for our episode two review later this week, and please tell us if you enjoyed episode one in the comment section.

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