Melania Trump Documentary Set to Stream on Amazon Prime Video
Streaming Release of Melania Documentary
The documentary titled Melania, which chronicles Melania Trump's life during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, is officially available for streaming. Starting today, March 9, viewers can watch the film on Amazon Prime Video, bringing this controversial project directly to home audiences. The documentary gained attention for revealing aspects of the First Lady's private life for the first time and for the substantial distribution deal it secured. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film performed better than anticipated at the box office and among its target demographic.
Overview of the Melania Documentary
Directed by Brett Ratner, this documentary marks his return to directing after nearly ten years. Ratner, known for the successful Rush Hour action-comedy series, faced a career setback in 2017 due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to a silent boycott of his work. Consequently, Melania is his first directorial effort since those controversies. The film attracted significant attention even before its release, as Amazon MGM Studios reportedly acquired the streaming rights for an impressive $75 million. This deal sparked discussions due to its ties to the Trump family and the considerable financial backing behind the project.
Although Melania did not achieve blockbuster status in theaters, its performance surpassed many expectations. The documentary opened with $7 million during its first weekend and ultimately grossed around $16.6 million at the box office. Given that documentaries usually have limited theatrical runs, these figures are considered a strong showing. The production budget for the project was approximately $40 million, with an additional $35 million allocated for marketing, bringing the total investment close to the amount paid for its distribution rights. Despite the political controversies surrounding it, the documentary seems to have resonated well with its intended audience, receiving notably positive feedback. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive 98% score on the Popcornmeter, which gauges reactions from verified ticket buyers, indicating strong viewer support.
Donald Trump's Remarks on the Documentary
Melania Trump announced the streaming release on X, expressing her enthusiasm for audiences to gain 'unprecedented access' to her personal journey and to view never-before-seen footage from the documentary from their homes.
Donald Trump also shared his thoughts on the project during a public event, humorously referring to his wife as a 'big movie star.' He noted that theaters were full and suggested that many women returned to see the film multiple times.