Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, has ignited a firestorm of debate with the release of her new documentary, *Melania: 20 Days to History*. While her husband, Donald Trump, has hailed the film as a monumental success, critics have largely panned it, highlighting a stark divide between audience enthusiasm and critical appraisal.
Trump’s Bold Claims
In an assertion typical of his brash style, Donald Trump proclaimed that his wife has ascended to “movie star” status following the film’s debut in theatres last Friday. From the Oval Office, he declared the documentary a “tremendous success,” boasting that it had become the “number one documentary in 19 years.” While the specifics of his claim remain ambiguous, reports from The Guardian indicate that the film has indeed had the strongest box office launch for a documentary in a decade.
The documentary reportedly grossed $7 million in its opening weekend, surpassing initial projections of $5 million. Trump quipped, “What do I get out of it? Nothing out of it. Now I have… so I had a top model, now I have a top movie star.” However, the film’s production and promotional costs are significant, totalling $80 million, raising questions about its long-term financial viability.
A Tale of Two Reception Scores
Despite the impressive box office figures, the critical reception of *Melania: 20 Days to History* has been dismal. The film holds an abysmal 5 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, juxtaposed against a staggering 99 percent audience score. This discrepancy marks one of the most significant divides in scores seen in nearly three decades, with many attributing the inflated audience score to a wave of pro-MAGA reviews flooding the site.
Melania herself appears to echo her husband’s sentiments. In a post on social media platform X, she proudly proclaimed that the film was “Loved By All,” despite the evident critical backlash.
Behind the Lens
Directed by Brett Ratner, known for films such as *Rush Hour* and *X-Men: The Last Stand*, the documentary offers an intimate glimpse into Melania’s life as her husband prepared for a second presidential term. The film features moments such as her listening to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and interacting with French First Lady Brigitte Macron, aiming to humanise the often enigmatic figure of Melania Trump.
Yet, Ratner’s legacy is marred by serious allegations of sexual assault, which led to Warner Bros cutting ties with him in 2017. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but the controversy surrounding him adds another layer of complexity to the film’s release.
Why it Matters
The release of *Melania: 20 Days to History* comes at a time when the political landscape in the United States is fraught with division and tension. This documentary not only serves as a reflection of Melania Trump’s public persona but also as a broader commentary on celebrity culture within politics. The overwhelming audience support, set against critical disdain, illustrates a growing divide in how Americans consume media and engage with political figures. As the Trump family remains a polarising force, the film’s reception may influence the narrative surrounding their future ambitions, shaping public perception and discourse as the nation heads towards the next election cycle.
