The film The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi, reconstructs Donald Trump’s formative years in the New York of the 1970s and 1980s, revealing the mechanisms of power that forged his rise. But beyond the story, the film is supported by a carefully selected musical score that not only sets the mood of the era, but also reinforces the psychology of its characters.
With an original soundtrack composed by Martin Dirkov and a repertoire of iconic funk, disco and new wave songs, the music in The Apprentice becomes an essential narrative element.
Martin Dirkov and the score that builds an era
Danish composer Martin Dirkov, with experience in projects such as Holy Spider and Shorta, is in charge of the film’s original composition, providing a sound that moves between tension, excessive ambition and moments of reflection. Along with him, musicians David Holmes and Brian Irvine add nuances that define the film’s sound identity.
The official album, The Apprentice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released on October 11, 2024 under the Filmtrax/Atlantic Screen Music label and is available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Some of the most representative tracks from the original soundtrack include:
🎵 “Roy and Donald” – A sober, calculating cut that introduces the relationship between Trump and Roy Cohn.
🎵 “Trump Tower” – A piece that captures the vertigo of success and the rampage of power.
🎵 “The Last Traces of Decency” – A melancholy track that resonates in the film’s most introspective moments.
With a mix of enveloping synthesizers and orchestral arrangements, Dirkov builds a soundscape that accompanies the rise of Trump, but also hints at the shadow of corruption and unbridled ambition.
The sounds that marked a generation
Beyond the original soundtrack, The Apprentice makes use of a carefully selected repertoire of songs to reinforce the atmosphere of the period and reflect the transformation of its characters.
Some of the highlights in the film include:
🎶 “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” – Baccara | Accompanies Ivana’s first nightclub appearance, encapsulating the glamour and superficiality of power circles.
🎶 “El Preso” – Fruko y Sus Tesos | Sounds at a private party where Trump and his brother Freddy are trying to make a place for themselves among the New York elite.
🎶 “Rock Your Baby” – George McCrae | Reinforces the idea of social climbing and the charisma with which Trump manages to make his way.
🎶 “Blue Monday” – New Order | A perfect soundtrack for the decade transition and the new direction the protagonist’s life takes.
🎶 “Always on My Mind” – Pet Shop Boys | A track that appears at a key moment after Freddy Trump’s death, bringing a melancholic and nostalgic tone.
Each of these songs functions as a bridge between Trump’s personal history and the cultural evolution of the time, striking a balance between narrative and setting.
A musical journey into ambition and power
The music in The Apprentice is not just an accompaniment, but a key component that defines the personalities of the characters and the transformation of the society in which they move. From Martin Dirkov’s original score to the hits that marked the era, the film’s sound encapsulates the essence of an era of excess, ambition and structural change.
If you want to immerse yourself in the sound universe of The Apprentice, the complete soundtrack is available for streaming:
A film about power needs a soundtrack to match, and The Apprentice delivers with a musical selection that defines the ambition and excesses of the Trump era.
