Late-Night Hosts Critique Melania Trump’s Documentary with Sharp Humor
A documentary centered on Melania Trump made its debut in theaters on January 30, 2023. Titled “Melania,” the film has garnered attention, leading to sharp critiques from various late-night hosts.
Overview of the Documentary
“Melania” portrays the former First Lady’s journey back to the White House, slated for early 2025. Directed by Brett Ratner, this marks his first significant project since facing sexual harassment allegations in 2017. The film presents a series of visually striking shots complemented by an upbeat soundtrack, yet it has been criticized for lacking depth.
Reception and Box Office Performance
Despite receiving critical backlash, “Melania” managed an impressive opening. The film earned approximately $7 million in its first weekend, making it the highest-grossing documentary debut in over a decade, excluding concert films. However, this performance still falls short of the reported $40 million production budget, combined with an additional $35 million in marketing expenses.
Critical Acclaim and Critique
- Variety described the film as “a piece of state-sanctioned propaganda out of 1960s Communist China.”
- The Atlantic noted, “Ratner seems desperate to find action, but there is none.”
Late-Night Hosts Weigh In
Several late-night television hosts have used the documentary as fodder for humor. They highlighted aspects of the film while questioning its authenticity and impact.
Stephen Colbert’s Satirical Take
On the February 4 episode of “The Late Show,” Stephen Colbert featured actress Laura Benanti portraying Melania Trump. In this segment, Benanti humorously suggested that the film’s true purpose was financial, saying, “It’s about $28 million in my pocket, cha-chingaaaa!” The skit included a playful moment where they sang “Billie Jean” together, with Benanti commenting it brightens her mood when thinking about her family.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Observations
In his monologue, Jimmy Kimmel commented on the film’s box office results, stating, “a lot of people, myself included, have been wondering how this movie managed to sell $7 million worth of tickets last weekend.” He connected this inquiry to previous instances of financial manipulation in the entertainment industry, particularly referencing Donald Trump Jr.’s book “Triggered.”
Seth Meyers’ Jokes
Seth Meyers also chimed in with humor, referring to the documentary as a contender for the “least animated feature.” He quipped about the film’s premiere at the White House, suggesting it was a test for Donald Trump’s ability to stay awake.
Conclusion
While “Melania” has sparked controversy and humor in equal measure, its commercial success raises intriguing questions about audience engagement and the future of documentary filmmaking. The interplay between reality and entertainment remains a hot topic, especially in the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the Trumps.
