In a striking turn of events, the documentary on Melania Trump, aptly titled *Melania*, has ignited debate over its audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, leading the platform to address allegations of “manipulation.” Released at the end of January, the film has attracted significant attention, not only for its subject but also for the staggering gap between its critical reviews and audience feedback.
A Record-Breaking Discrepancy
Directed by Brett Ratner, *Melania* has set an unusual precedent, achieving the most significant divergence between critic scores and audience ratings in nearly three decades. Garnering a mere 8 per cent on the “Tomatometer,” critics have largely panned the film, while the “Popcornmeter” shines with a staggering 99 per cent approval from viewers. This disparity has led to speculation regarding the authenticity of the audience reviews, prompting Rotten Tomatoes to take a stand.
In a statement, the platform’s parent company, Versant, firmly declared, “there has been NO manipulation on the audience reviews for the Melania documentary.” They clarified that the ratings on the Popcornmeter are derived from verified reviews, confirming that users had indeed purchased tickets through Fandango.
Box Office Performance: A Tale of Two Markets
Despite its contentious reception, *Melania* has defied expectations at the US box office, raking in $7 million during its opening weekend. However, the film’s performance has been disappointing across the Atlantic. In the UK and Ireland, it managed to collect a mere £32,974 from 155 cinemas, averaging just £212.80 per screen. Such figures highlight a stark contrast in viewer engagement on both sides of the pond.
Amazon reportedly invested $40 million to acquire the film’s rights, alongside an additional $35 million earmarked for marketing efforts. This hefty investment raises questions about the film’s long-term viability and its ability to recoup costs, particularly given the lukewarm reception in the UK.
Critics Weigh In
Reviewers have not held back in their criticism of *Melania*. Nick Hilton from The Independent described the film as “somewhere between reality TV and pure fiction” and suggested that calling Melania vapid would be a disservice to the vapour clouds that linger around British teenagers. He labelled it as “American history through the idiosyncratic prism of a woman who is part-puppet of the regime, part-delusional creative, and part-symbol of America’s immigrant community.” Such reviews underscore the film’s polarising nature, illustrating the varied perspectives on Melania Trump’s life and legacy.
Viewer reactions, however, paint a different picture. One fan praised the film as “a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Melania – her warmth, compassion, and dedication to this country,” while another lauded it for its “sophistication and class.” This divergence in opinions highlights the film’s ability to resonate with certain audiences despite its critical backlash.
Why it Matters
The controversy surrounding *Melania* serves as a significant commentary on the complex relationship between media, celebrity, and public perception. In an era where audience engagement often blurs the lines of authenticity, the film’s reception underscores the need for platforms like Rotten Tomatoes to maintain integrity in their ratings. As viewers navigate a landscape rife with misinformation and polarized opinions, the debate over this documentary illustrates the broader implications of how narratives are constructed and consumed in modern society. The outcome of this discourse may shape not only how future films are received but also the public’s trust in review aggregators and the media at large.
