Trump: An American Dream

Trump: An American Dream is a documentary mini-series that attempts a serious look at Donald J. Trump, but ultimately does little more than rehash what has been known about him for close to 40 years of being in the public conscience.

He's shown to have a massive ego.

He's shown to be petty.

He's shown to be a womanizer.

He's shown to be dismissive of factual criticism, and will ad hominem instead of face the facts.

He's shown to have a firm belief in himself.

None of what this docu-series focuses on is anything new. And yet, there are a couple things which were mentioned in passing, but could have provided more an in-depth look at the man and been a much more interesting character study.

The first is the relationship he had with his father. Yes, Fred Trump built buildings too, but not to show off wealth or even buy his way into the upper crust of the New York City social scene. He built apartments that, for an increasingly expensive city to live in, were much more affordable. I was left wondering if Donald Trump actually had this drive to outdo his father, or perhaps a better question, go where his father didn't want to? I think if that question were to be answered, we'd all have a much better understanding of the man Donald Trump.

The second thing that was brought up briefly, but not pursued further, was even his closest and perhaps most trusted friends said they weren't sure what his beliefs actually are, if in fact he has any at all. For someone who has cast himself as a political outsider and found an appeal to a wide range of people, to latch onto someone that might not believe in anything is very fascinating to me. Except this was not pursued at all, only hinted at, in this docu-series.

Overall, it's just another thing that exists that will confirm whatever bias one has about Donald Trump. However, it could have been so much more.

As a film critic, I have to bring to my viewers, reviews, which cover almost every genre, rest your suggestions are always invited. Today, we are going to have an insight into fifty decades of Donald J. Trump's life through the British documentary 'Trump: An American Dream.' Before I start, I would like to say that you would enjoy this review if you at least have some interest in Donald's life or you are a keen watcher or reader of documentaries. Season1 Episode 1: "Manhattan" The show begins with focussing on young Donald who seeks to succeed in his father's real estate business. Trump, was a lesser-known brand in New York those days, so Donald wishes to buy and renovate 'The Commodore Hotel', which was the biggest hotel in New York. He successfully made the deal with a forty years tax abatement. He opened this hotel as 'The Grand Hyatt' just after two years. It is Donald's first major project. Along with his professional life, we get an insight into his personal life too, when he marries 'Ivana' and have a family with him. Ivana was a dynamic model as well as deeply involved in Donald's businesses. Now, Donald plans to bring a grand sky scrapper, 'Trump Tower' in New York. He demanded tax abatement for it too but Mayor 'Ed Koch' refused. Trump instructs his lawyer, 'Ray Cohn' to sue the city. On July 5th, 1984, the State's Court of Appeals delivered its verdict in Donald's favour. Episode 2: "The Gambler" After successfully building his empire in New York City, now he wishes to enter the casinos business in the 'Atlantic City'. On 14th May 1984, he opens his first casino, 'Trump Plaza' and further soon he builds the second one, 'Trump Castle'. Between 1983 and 1987 Donald Trump brought an airline, a yacht, a football team, the Mar-a-Lago mansion, and a private jet. He also publishes a book, 'The Art of the Deal' which becomes the no.1 seller. Also, his relationship with Ivana turns out to be quite a bitter day by day and his focus now shifts towards 'Marla Maples' who is also a very successful model. Everything in his business is also not fine. In March 1988, he pays $408 million for 'The Plaza Hotel, New York'. His political presence seems to take birth during these years. Mike Dunbar petitions him to run for President but he declines. In April 1988, he buys the third much grand casino, The Taj Mahal. Episode 3: "Citizen Trump" In this episode, we see how his professional, as well as personal life, turns into a turmoil. One by one his casinos were under a huge debt which he was unable to pay. He divorces Ivana and marries Marla. Forbes said that his casinos were based on borrowed money. He decides to sell shares in his own company. Stock market floatation raises over $1.2 billion bringing him good luck. But in the end, he divorces Marla after three and a half years of marriage. Episode 4: "Politics" In 2000, he was wondering to run for the President of the United States of America from the Reform party but backs out. Similarly, he doesn't run in 2012. He marries a supermodel 'Malania Knavs.' He makes a reality show 'The Apprentice' and its ratings were huge. He publishes another book 'The Art of the comeback.' Rest we see how he ran successfully on Republican Party's ticked in 2016 and rose to the ultimate seat of power. Personally speaking, I don't find him to be very good either in professional or in personal terms. He uses money, force, and power all the time. Well, the report of his political career is yet to come.

The documentary is very well made with some rare clips of his life. I give it a rating of seven out of ten stars.

I am not a Trump fan and the title is misleading. I thought this was going to be celebrating Trump but was pleasantly surprised. It is an objective look at Trump's life. I learnt some new things about Trump and his life. The image he portrays is far from the truth. Interesting how he was in big debts and was more a television personality than the calculating businessman he wants you to believe.

Netflix has also made great progress in its documentaries. They are now made with more flair and good graphics. For example the old Trump photos they showed were brought to life and enhanced well.

Trump is good at what he does. He is not afraid to do the things that most of us would never dream of. He wanted to invest in New York real estate in the mid 1970's but he needed massive tax cuts to afford his property. What does he do? Hires the lawyer for the head of the five NY crime families. Suddenly - he gets the city to cut him tax breaks for seemingly any investment. That act began his momentum that would go through many highs and lows but end up as the 45th President of the United States. Love him or hate him - he is not stupid but he will most likely rip you off.

Let me just say, this is NOT a feel good Trump series. Definitely a hit piece, be prepared. What I loved about this series is the same thing I Loved about the book The Art of the Deal. They both prove that Donald J Trump is and always has been exactly the same man. Has always thought the same way, spoke the same way, dressed the same way, had the same hand motions (fist pump in the air), same optimism and same vision. He takes after his mom in the way he speaks and he shares her unwavering faith that all will be great. Therefore, those who aren't fans today might try learning by reading the books. A note about the music: I didn't notice any music at all until Ep 4. Man, is it depressing doom music. And it goes on & on, like the Death Doom third "Ding-Dong" in Christmas Vacation, only over and over and over again. Really obvious and way over done.