It’s important to address this upfront: The film about Melania is not recommended for viewing.
The general consensus is clear as many have opted not to watch it, leading to it becoming one of the biggest failures in film history. This decision has been validated by the film’s lack of engaging content.
The primary reason for its failure is its tedious nature. Despite having a substantial budget of $40 million and rare behind-the-scenes access to a globally renowned figure like Melania Trump, the film fails to captivate viewers over its nearly two-hour duration. A significant portion of the movie consists of repetitive scenes showing Melania moving between different locations, with minimal substance or intrigue.
The film predominantly features staged conversations and observational segments of Melania’s interactions with designers regarding the 2025 Inauguration. The detailed discussions about her attire, particularly a black and white dress and hat, take up a considerable amount of screen time. However, the lack of insight into the actual design process leaves much to be desired.
Those anticipating glimpses into Melania’s personal life with Donald Trump will be disappointed as he has minimal presence until the latter part of the film. Their interactions come across as distant, lacking the intimacy expected of a married couple. Melania’s portrayal in the film, helmed by director Brett Ratner, fails to humanize her, presenting her as peculiar and out of touch.
Throughout the film, Melania’s narrative is dominated by self-praise and disconnected reflections, further distancing her from the audience. Despite occasional moments of empathy, such as her interaction with a former hostage, the overall portrayal fails to evoke genuine emotional connection.
The film’s soundtrack choices, including classic songs like “Gimme Shelter” and “Billie Jean,” along with Melania’s favorite song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” often feel mismatched and clichéd. Additionally, the stylistic choice to emulate old-fashioned film aesthetics with Instagram-like filters contributes to a disjointed viewing experience.
In essence, “Melania” fails to deliver an engaging or insightful portrayal of its subject matter and should be avoided by viewers seeking meaningful content.