Washington: A new documentary titled Melania provides a closer look at the former first lady, portraying her as content and self-assured in her position, rather than harboring any hidden depths or conflicts.
Public Reception and Critical Response
The film has drawn sparse audiences, with some theaters nearly empty during screenings. Critics have been harsh in their assessments. One review described it as a “preening, scowling void of pure nothingness in this ghastly bit of propaganda.” Another labeled it “gilded trash,” while a third questioned the investment of $107 million in such a lackluster production.
Despite the backlash, the documentary sheds light on Melania Trump’s persona by revealing very little. It skips personal details, such as whether long hours in high heels cause discomfort, emphasizing instead her poised and luxurious lifestyle.
Insights from Past Events
Memories from her time in the White House highlight her demeanor. On January 6, 2021, as unrest unfolded at the Capitol, her former aide Stephanie Grisham suggested a tweet condemning violence while supporting peaceful protests. Melania responded with a simple “No,” as she prepared for a White House rug photo shoot.
The film aligns with her established role as a supportive, often reserved figure beside her husband. It portrays her as embracing this position without seeking to redefine it, focusing on her oversight of details like inaugural attire.
Production Choices and Controversies
Melania Trump selected director Brett Ratner, known for past allegations of misconduct that sidelined him in Hollywood, to helm the project. The documentary lingers on her fashion elements, including 5-inch stilettos, long legs, and styled hair.
Funding came from Amazon MGM Studios, which allocated $40 million for production and $35 million for marketing. Reports indicate Melania received at least $28 million from the budget. This comes amid broader corporate decisions, including layoffs at Amazon and reduced support for affiliated media outlets.
A recently released email from 2002, linked to Melania and addressed to Ghislaine Maxwell, compliments a magazine profile of Jeffrey Epstein and praises Maxwell’s appearance. The exchange uses affectionate terms like “Sweet pea” and “Love.”
Key Scenes and Themes
The film covers the 20 days leading to the 2025 inauguration, with Melania exercising editorial control. It features a candlelit dinner at the National Building Museum attended by tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg, who supported the campaign generously.
In voice-over narration, Melania describes the event as embodying her “creative vision,” crediting donors for the victory through their elegance and philosophy.
Other moments include her influencing her husband’s inaugural address to include a call for unity, despite ongoing divisive rhetoric. She and her son Barron express hesitation during the parade limo ride, voicing concerns about political violence without addressing its provocations.
A conversation with a Laotian immigrant designer touches on her own roots, overlooking stricter immigration policies, including visa restrictions from 75 countries like Laos. The documentary echoes the sentiment of her 2018 jacket visit to a migrant facility: “I really don’t care. Do U?” It ultimately centers her personal priorities.
