Melania is a documentary film directed by Brett Ratner. It was developed by RatPac Entertainment and distributed by Amazon MGM Movies. It debuted at number three at the box office.
Twenty days before the second inauguration, Melania Trump prepares herself to become First Lady to President Donald Trump once again. We see her as she works with her dress designers, interviewing staff, and meeting with high-profile individuals. However, we also see the somber moments as she reflects on the death of her mother, prepares herself for the political life, and steels herself for a life she thought she had left behind.
You would have thought that Uwe Boll had directed this movie with the way it was attacked. Corporate press film critics were crawling over glass to disparage it, with some outright lying about its content. For example, one critic claimed that Melania never addressed the documentary crew. That is not true, as she does on several occasions. Those who did not lie about it ignored it entirely. Due to its dismal box office performance, I am sure they did a victory lap or had their butlers do one.
Audiences, on the other hand, seemed to praise it. It received so many stellar reviews from ticketholders that several film review websites started removing positive reviews by claiming that it was being “reviewed bomb” by MAGA supporters. Other websites with more integrity allowed the viewers to comment, showing a huge gap between the corporate press and moviegoers.
The back and forth between the mainstream media and the audience does not answer the key question, however. Is it good?
In my humble opinion, yes, it is. Melania had creative control over it, and you can tell she has an eye for detail. While news anchors try to paint her as icy and stern, you do not see that here. You see a strong, independent woman who demands excellence, but is also soft-spoken, kind, and graceful. She cares deeply about her husband, her family, and her friends.
As she navigates being thrust into the political spotlight once again, the First Lady is poised, steady, and prepared for facing a hostile media and a second term of the Trump Administration. It was an excellent glimpse into her life and how she handles the turmoil around her.
I will not claim that Melania is the greatest documentary in the world, as it does focus on a very specific time in her life instead of giving us an overview. That being said, you get a new appreciation for her and what she is trying to do as First Lady of the United States of America.
Check out the trailer below:
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Thematic Elements
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, anime, or novel you would like me to review.