Melania Trump's highly anticipated documentary, which premiered in New York City this week, has faced a disappointing reception, with reports of empty seats and lukewarm praise from audiences. The film, a $75 million project commissioned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, aimed to offer an intimate glimpse into the life of the former first lady but has struggled to attract viewers.
Underwhelming Turnout at New York Theatres
At a busy movie theatre in New York on the day of its release, the crowd for Melania was notably sparse. Observations revealed that only about 12 people attended a screening near Times Square, with at least half of them being journalists tasked with reviewing the film. This poor turnout reflects a broader trend across the United States, as executives have been forced to temper expectations for the documentary's opening weekend performance.
Viewer Reactions and Criticisms
Among the few non-journalists in attendance, reactions were mixed. Chase, a 24-year-old who identifies as politically independent, commented, "I just think it's really interesting to see inside the life of somebody so famous. She's a private person, so I think it's interesting to see how her life really is." He added that he found the documentary informative, revealing aspects of Melania Trump previously unknown to the public.
However, other viewers were less impressed. Jim Behrle, a Democrat who attended out of curiosity, noted, "I didn't dislike it as much as I thought I would. There was some interesting stuff in it, but there's not a lot of rising action or conflict." He described the film as lacking in gripping narrative, with much of the content focused on mundane activities like trying on clothes or scenes from Mar-a-Lago.
Financial Implications for Amazon
The documentary's lacklustre performance could result in significant financial losses for Amazon. The company reportedly paid $40 million for the film and invested an additional $35 million in marketing efforts. Despite this substantial investment, the film has failed to capture public interest, as evidenced by screenshots from ticketing websites showing vacant theatres in cities like Boston and Charleston.
On-Screen Presence and Content Issues
Critics and viewers alike have pointed out that Melania Trump appears uneasy on camera, which detracts from the film's appeal. Her discomfort is palpable, raising questions about her decision to participate in such a project. With a subject lacking in charisma, the documentary often resorts to showcasing trivial moments, such as fashion fittings and leisure activities, rather than providing deeper insights into her life or political role.
Behrle summarised the general sentiment by stating, "It's not a gripping film," indicating that while there are some interesting elements, the overall experience fails to engage audiences meaningfully.
This underwhelming debut highlights the challenges of producing content around polarising figures and suggests that even substantial financial backing cannot guarantee success if the subject matter fails to resonate with viewers.
