Melania Trump Documentary Streams on Amazon Prime Video Amidst Criticism

The documentary Melania, which offers a glimpse into the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, began streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on March 9th. The film, acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for $40 million, has been widely panned by critics as a “vanity project” and promotional material for the Trump administration.

Box Office Performance and Audience

Despite critical disapproval, Melania exceeded box office projections during its initial two-week theatrical release, earning $13.35 million domestically. A significant portion of the audience consisted of organized groups of Republican women. Amazon reportedly spent an additional $35 million on marketing the film, making it one of the most expensive documentaries ever produced.

Content and Criticism

The film follows Melania Trump as she prepares for the inauguration, featuring interactions with stylists, interior designers and political allies. Voiceovers reveal her perspectives on style and her husband, stating, “People have tried to murder him, slander him and incarcerate him — I am so very proud of him.”

Critics have been largely negative. Nick Hilton of The Independent gave the film a one-star review, describing it as “transparently not a documentary” and comparing it to reality television or pure fiction. He noted the deliberate composition of shots and the staged nature of Melania’s portrayal.

Music Rights Disputes

The production faced challenges securing music rights for the soundtrack. Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson publicly condemned the use of their 2017 film Phantom Thread’s score. Guns N’ Roses, Grace Jones, and the Prince estate all blocked the use of their music, citing political reasons.

Amazon’s Acquisition and Speculation

The $40 million purchase price has sparked industry speculation that Amazon’s acquisition was motivated by a desire to cultivate a relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The project also marked the return of director Brett Ratner, who relocated to Israel following multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, allegations he has denied and for which he has not been charged.

Elon Musk’s Political Donations

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Elon Musk and USAID

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