In a swirl of controversy, Melania Trump’s documentary, which chronicles her life in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, faces scrutiny over claims regarding the use of a Rolling Stones classic. Producer Marc Beckman asserts that Mick Jagger personally approved the use of “Gimme Shelter,” but sources close to the band suggest otherwise, igniting debates on artistic integrity and political affiliations.
The Rolling Stones’ Denial
As the buzz around the documentary grows, a source close to Mick Jagger has cast doubt on producer Marc Beckman’s assertion that the Rolling Stones were involved in the decision to include their iconic song. The documentary, highlighting Melania’s transition from private citizen to First Lady, features “Gimme Shelter” prominently during a scene set at Mar-a-Lago. Beckman, in an interview with Variety, claimed that Jagger “gave us his blessing” and described the collaboration as non-political.
“We worked very closely with them on that,” Beckman stated. “It’s just a story about a woman going back into the White House.” However, a spokesperson for the Rolling Stones clarified that any agreement regarding the song was purely between rights holders ABKCO and the documentary’s production team, with the band having no involvement in the discussions.
Musical Disputes and Political Tensions
This isn’t the first time rock legends have distanced themselves from the Trump brand. Numerous artists, including Guns N’ Roses and Bruce Springsteen, have publicly objected to their music being played at Trump rallies. Beckman revealed that several musicians were approached for the documentary’s soundtrack but declined due to political concerns. For instance, he noted that the members of Guns N’ Roses were divided on the decision, while Grace Jones cited an inability to overcome the political implications associated with the film.
Moreover, although the rights holders of a song by Prince were reportedly amenable to its use, the estate’s lawyer vetoed the request, asserting, “Prince would never want his song associated with Donald Trump.” Beckman lamented that these refusals were based on misconceptions about the film’s intent, insisting, “It’s not a Donald Trump film!”
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Despite the controversies, the film, which Amazon acquired for a staggering $40 million and supported with a $35 million marketing budget, opened to a decent $7 million in its first weekend in the US. However, it experienced a significant 67% drop in its second week, reflecting mixed audience reception. In the UK, it debuted at a disappointing No. 29 and fell to No. 62 in its second week, with no current showtimes available.
Beckman has attributed the disparity between critics’ reviews and audience scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes to a bias he perceives in film criticism today. “Critics are voting with political ideology first,” he remarked. “Some critiques didn’t even discuss the film itself.”
A Soundtrack of Contradictions
Adding to the film’s eclectic soundtrack, Melania’s personal favourites include “YMCA” by the Village People and “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, the latter being the subject of an impromptu duet between Melania and director Brett Ratner. The documentary also encountered challenges surrounding the inclusion of a track from Jonny Greenwood’s score for *Phantom Thread*, which was requested for removal by its creators due to lack of notice.
Beckman voiced his frustration over these complications, claiming that they do not reflect the essence of the project. “We created a nice film that doesn’t delve into political policy,” he stated, maintaining his admiration for Greenwood’s work despite the ongoing dispute.
Why it Matters
The unfolding drama surrounding the documentary not only highlights the contentious relationship between art and politics but also raises questions about how public figures navigate their portrayals in the media. As Melania Trump’s story unfolds on the screen, the backlash from the music community underscores a broader cultural divide, reflecting how the political landscape continues to shape creative expression. In an era where every detail is scrutinised, the film’s reception may ultimately serve as a litmus test for the intersection of celebrity, politics, and public sentiment.
