UPDATE: Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner addressed intense scrutiny surrounding their $75 million documentary, titled “Melania,” at its premiere at the Kennedy Center on January 15, 2023. The high-profile project, backed by Amazon and MGM, has sparked controversy due to its massive budget and the marketing blitz accompanying its release.
During the premiere event, Ratner defended the reported costs, which include $40 million for production and $35 million for marketing, stating, “I think it’s silly because there’s a feature film and three episodes… We spent more money on music in this than I did on Rush Hour.” This remark highlights the film’s high production values, featuring a crew of 80 on the first day of filming.
Melania Trump echoed Ratner’s sentiments, emphasizing her pride in the film’s cinematic experience, stating, “We achieved what we wanted to achieve for cinematic viewing, in the theaters, and then we have a doc series coming out.” The documentary will debut in 1,500 theaters across the country, supported by an extensive marketing campaign that includes advertisements during NFL playoffs and prominent placements in subway stations and billboards.
Critics have raised concerns over the documentary’s funding, with comedian Jimmy Kimmel branding it a “$75 million bribe,” reflecting broader public scrutiny about the motivations behind Amazon’s financial support. President Donald Trump criticized a New York Times reporter for questioning whether the funding was intended to curry favor, adding to the film’s contentious backdrop.
Notably, the premiere was closed to critics, with no advance screenings allowed, raising further questions about the documentary’s reception. Ratner touted the theatrical distribution as a success, asserting, “Just the fact that Amazon is great to distribute this theatrically.”
In her remarks, Melania clarified the film’s nature, stating, “Some have called this a documentary. It is not. It is a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights, and moments.” The documentary chronicles the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, and Melania believes its success is already evident, saying, “For myself, it’s already successful, what we did, and it will speak for itself.”
As the film prepares for its wide release, the debate over its funding and implications continues, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike. The urgency of the situation highlights the intersection of politics and entertainment, making “Melania” a topic of immediate relevance.
Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.
