The highly anticipated documentary about Melania Trump is facing a stark reality check. Initial projections suggest a lukewarm reception, with estimates ranging from a modest $1 million to a slightly more optimistic $5 million for its opening weekend – a far cry from the $40 million Amazon paid to secure the rights and a planned docuseries.
Early ticket sales paint a similar picture. Across four London cinemas, a mere 60 pre-sale tickets were snapped up for eight screenings. Even Vue, a major cinema chain, admits sales are “soft,” hinting at a potential struggle to recoup the massive investment.
The film, titled *Melania: Twenty Days to History*, offers a glimpse into the First Lady’s life during the turbulent period leading up to her husband’s second inauguration. Melania herself has described it as a “private, unfiltered look” at her journey, promising an intimate portrayal of her life navigating family, business, and philanthropy.
However, the project’s path to the screen has been shadowed by controversy. The director, Brett Ratner, faced multiple misconduct allegations in 2017, accusations he vehemently denied. His involvement alone sparked unease among some who worked on the film.
Behind the scenes, the production was reportedly chaotic. Crew members describe “really long hours” and a “highly disorganised” environment, constantly complicated by the ever-present Secret Service detail protecting the First Lady. The atmosphere was so unsettling that a significant portion of the New York-based crew requested their names be removed from the credits.
One crew member, initially optimistic, now regrets their involvement, stating they are “much more alarmed” than they were a year ago. While Melania was generally described as friendly and engaged, Ratner was consistently cited as the source of the most friction.
Stories emerged of Ratner’s disregard for basic professional courtesy – leaving messes on set and seemingly ignoring some colleagues entirely. Basic needs were also neglected; crew members claim they were often denied meal breaks while the director indulged in lavish snacking, oblivious to their discomfort.
Despite the challenging production, one individual defended Ratner, praising his “intuitive” and “emotional” direction. But the negative experiences clearly left a mark on many involved.
Amazon is attempting to generate buzz with a $35 million promotional campaign, rolling out the film in over 5,000 cinemas worldwide. A lavish White House screening drew a star-studded guest list, including Tim Cook and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Yet, Amazon’s decision to refuse screeners to critics has raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about the film’s quality. When asked for a preview, one outlet received a curt email stating, “Amazon is not providing screener links on this title.”
Public reaction is also mixed, with some cinemas reportedly receiving complaints about screening the film. Donald Trump, however, has enthusiastically promoted it on social media, declaring it a “MUST WATCH” and claiming tickets are “selling out, FAST!”
Melania herself is deeply involved in the film’s promotion, with an advisor stating she “built that trailer” and “created the cliffhanger.” The project represents a significant financial windfall for the former First Lady, who reportedly earned $28 million from the deal.
The film’s release is already sparking debate, with late-night comedians weighing in on the controversy surrounding its funding and timing. For some, the documentary feels like a calculated attempt to buy influence, while others simply question its artistic merit.
As the film opens, a sense of anticipation – and apprehension – hangs in the air. One crew member, hoping for a box office disappointment, succinctly captured the sentiment: “If it does flop…I would really feel great about it.”
