Brett Ratner's documentary on Melania Trump offers a glimpse into her tightly controlled existence, focusing on her role in planning inaugural events and her meticulous attention to fashion. The film, which follows her over 20 days, shows her gliding through gilt corridors alone, with staff dressed in deference to her.
About 30% of the film is dedicated to fittings for her inauguration outfits. Melania is seen directing tailors to tighten collars and adjust coat hemlines, with one hat brim criticised as 'a little bit wiggly-woggly'. Her creative vision, she explains in voiceover, is clear and must be shared with her team.
Meanwhile, the documentary reveals little about the menu for inauguration parties, save for a golden egg appetiser placed in an eggcup. Melania approves the colour but offers no further comment. She never eats or drinks on screen.
The film also captures moments of intimacy between Melania and Donald Trump. At one point she places her hand on his waist, a gesture interpreted as a sign of ongoing physical closeness. When Donald calls to boast about a political victory, she responds with a terse 'Great, well done', as if trying to end a cold call.
Their son Barron appears but says nothing, and Melania describes her favourite songs as Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Thriller. The documentary also shows her at Jimmy Carter's funeral and a memorial at Arlington cemetery, where she cuts a mafioso figure in stilettos under an umbrella.
