Melania Trump Documentary Review: A Preening Void in Ghastly Propaganda
As the streets of America remain filled with the angry and grieving, a new documentary titled Melania hits cinemas, offering a stark contrast to the nation's turmoil. This Amazon production, which has received a mysterious theatrical release, focuses on the 20 days leading up to the second Trump inauguration in January 2025. Instead of delving into the First Lady's undeniably fascinating life—from her upbringing in Yugoslavia to her modelling career and marriage to Donald Trump—the film opts for a superficial exploration, making it look like a vulgar, gilded display reminiscent of Marie Antoinette skulking in her cake-filled chateau.
A Superficial Narrative Amidst Historical Context
The documentary, with a runtime of 104 minutes, is narrated by Melania Trump herself, who growls in voiceover, "Everyone wants to know, so here it is." Yet, it lacks specificity, covering trivial details such as the design of place settings and the width of hat ribbons. Emotional moments, like her sadness over her mother's death in 2024, are juxtaposed oddly, such as with a shot of President Carter's coffin, presenting American history through an idiosyncratic prism. Melania is portrayed as part-puppet of the regime, part-delusional creative, and part-symbol of America's immigrant community, but this comes across as hollow and staged.
Behind the Scenes: A Costly and Controversial Production
The film's genesis is shrouded in mystery and controversy. Amazon paid approximately $40 million for the rights, including $28 million directly to Melania Trump, positioning it as an expensive seat at an expensive table. Directed by Brett Ratner, whose career has been marred by allegations of sexual assault, the documentary gives him a second chance, mirroring Trump's political resurgence. Scenes feature oligarchs like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Tim Cook at lavish events, such as a banquet dinner with gold eggs and caviar, highlighting the film's ties to Big Tech and regulatory interests.
Immigrant Narratives and Hypocritical Themes
Melania attempts to bolster her geopolitical credentials by featuring immigrants like French-born designer Hervé Pierre and Tham Kannalikham, who moved from Laos to the US. They speak of opportunities and the American Dream, yet this stands in stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by other immigrants under the Trump administration, such as those in cages or tear-gassed on streets. Melania's own references to her Slovenian heritage are oblique, with Slovenia mentioned only once, undermining the film's vague cosmopolitan angle.
A Charismatic Trump and a Vacant Melania
Throughout the documentary, Donald Trump emerges as a more charismatic presence, offering relief from Melania's mask of pure nothingness. She describes herself as a "mother, wife, daughter, friend" but is depicted primarily preening and scowling, spouting banal aphorisms like "Cherish your family and loved ones." The film oscillates between propaganda and post-modern entertainment, with staged scenes that blur the line between reality TV and fiction, such as a waltz sequence set to "Glory, glory, hallelujah!"
Legacy and Critique: An Artifact of Oligopoly
Ultimately, Melania is critiqued as a bad piece of propaganda that serves as a striking artifact of a time when Americans subordinated themselves to a political and economic oligopoly. It fails to reveal any deeper truths, instead capturing a moment where the American establishment's sycophancy is on full display. As the country faces an irreparable schism, this documentary stands as a tone-deaf reminder of the disconnect between the Trumps' lavish lifestyle and the pressing issues of the day.
