UPDATE: Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner are facing intense scrutiny over the staggering budget of their documentary, Melania, unveiled during a premiere at the Kennedy Center. The film, backed by Amazon MGM, has a reported budget of $75 million, including $40 million for production and $35 million for marketing. This controversy is heating up as they defend the project’s financials amidst a high-profile release.
During the premiere, Ratner addressed concerns about the budget, 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, referencing the project’s high production quality and an extensive crew of 80 on the first day.
Melania Trump expressed her pride in the film, asserting, “We achieved what we wanted to achieve for cinematic viewing, in the theaters, and then we have a doc series coming out… So I am very proud of the motion picture.” The documentary will debut in 1,500 theaters and is accompanied by a massive marketing push, including ads during the NFL playoffs and prominent subway and billboard placements featuring “MELANIA” in bold letters.
However, controversy looms as there was no advance screening for critics, and press were barred from the Opera House premiere. Ratner touted the distribution deal with Amazon as a success, asserting, “Just the fact that Amazon is great to distribute this theatrically.”
Melania Trump responded to inquiries about the film’s success, stating, “For myself, it’s already successful, what we did, and it will speak for itself.” The documentary chronicles the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, providing an intimate look at Melania’s experiences.
At the event, Melania clarified the film’s nature, emphasizing, “Some have called this a documentary. It is not. It is a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights, and moments.” This distinction comes as public figures, including President Trump, criticized media coverage, with Trump pushing back against a New York Times reporter’s questions about Amazon’s financial support.
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel previously dubbed the project a “$75 million bribe,” highlighting the growing public apprehension regarding the film’s funding and intentions. As discussions intensify, the spotlight remains firmly on the documentary and its implications in the evolving political landscape.
The film’s release is set to be a focal point of debate, making its upcoming screenings and audience reception crucial to watch. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops further.
