Critically Panned ‘Melania’ Attracts Small Yet Appreciative Chicago Audience
The documentary “Melania,” directed by Brett Ratner, attempts to showcase the life and experiences of First Lady Melania Trump during her preparations for the 2025 presidential inauguration. Despite the film’s ambitious aim, it received a mixed reception from audiences and critical scrutiny upon its premiere.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers in Chicago
The film was presented in AMC River East 21, yet attendance was low. Only about 20 of 100 seats were filled during a recent screening. This turnout is considered higher than other showings across Chicago, where ticket sales have generally lagged since the film’s opening on Friday.
- Film premiere took place on a Thursday evening at Washington’s Kennedy Center.
- Screening on Saturday afternoon attracted a small audience.
Insights from Attendees
Nicole Beattie, an 81-year-old resident, mentioned her surprise at the turnout, expressing her enjoyment of the film. She appreciated the insight it provided into Melania Trump’s role leading up to the inauguration.
Another viewer, Carolyn Naselli, also found the documentary engaging. She felt it presented a more intimate view of Melania’s relationship with President Trump, stating, “It showed a side of her that no one’s ever seen.” However, these sentiments were not universally shared.
Criticism from Film Experts
Critics have largely condemned “Melania,” labeling it as a lackluster promotional piece rather than a genuine documentary. The film currently has a 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a low one-star average on Letterboxd. Kyle Henry, a Northwestern University professor, criticized it as political propaganda lacking depth.
- Critics cite the film’s lack of authentic storytelling and visual depth.
- It has been described as more of a political advertisement than a documentary.
Financial Aspects and Distribution
Amazon MGM Studios invested $40 million in acquiring the film, with an additional $35 million allocated for promotion. Despite being screened in 1,500 theaters worldwide, projections estimate that it will earn less than $5 million at the box office.
Viewer Perspectives on Melania Trump
The film aims to portray Melania Trump in a favorable light, discussing her pride in being an immigrant and her aspirations to protect individual rights. However, it appears to struggle with providing a comprehensive narrative. Many critiques focus on its storytelling style, which leans heavily on narration rather than showcasing dynamic footage or interviews.
While some attendees like Beattie and Naselli viewed the film as an interesting exploration of Melania Trump’s character, others like Ryan Oestriech, general manager of the Music Box Theatre, noted that the movie did not align with their audience’s preferences for artistic cinema.
Conclusion and Future Availability
As the film “Melania” continues its theatrical run, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond. It is also slated to stream on Amazon Prime Video at an unspecified later date. This small yet appreciative audience in Chicago offers a glimpse into how divided opinions can be regarding political figures and their representation in media.
