UPDATE: Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner have just addressed the intense scrutiny surrounding the staggering $75 million budget of their documentary, “Melania,” during its premiere at the Kennedy Center earlier today. The high-profile project, backed by Amazon and MGM, has sparked widespread debate over its funding and intent.
At the premiere event, Ratner defended the film’s budget, which includes $40 million for production and $35 million for marketing. He remarked, “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,” underscoring the documentary’s high production values and a crew of 80 on the first day.
Melania Trump emphasized her pride in the film, stating, “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 be released in 1,500 theaters and is accompanied by a massive marketing campaign, featuring NFL playoff ads, subway and billboard placements, and prominent branding with “MELANIA” displayed in large letters.
Critics have raised eyebrows over the lack of advance screenings and restricted press access at the premiere, fueling speculation about the documentary’s controversial funding. Ratner described the theatrical distribution as a success, asserting, “Just the fact that Amazon is great to distribute this theatrically,” while Melania asserted, “For myself, it’s already successful, what we did, and it will speak for itself.”
The documentary captures the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration. During the premiere, 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.”
President Trump weighed in on the discourse, criticizing a New York Times reporter who questioned whether Amazon’s financial support was an attempt to curry favor. Earlier, comedian Jimmy Kimmel humorously labeled the film a “$75 million bribe,” reflecting broader public scrutiny over the production’s funding and motivations.
As the premiere unfolds and the marketing campaign kicks off, the implications of this high-budget documentary are still developing. Viewers and critics alike are left to ponder the impact of this project in the political landscape. Stay tuned for updates as this story evolves.
