What sets Leni Riefenstahl apart from Brett Ratner? Despite her controversial history, Riefenstahl was a pioneer in filmmaking techniques. Ratner, however, hasn’t demonstrated that same level of technical skill – unless you consider his unusual focus on shoes worn by First Ladies.
Ultimately, both individuals are essentially political spin doctors, working with leaders to shape a story that either doesn’t quite align with the truth or actively tries to twist it.
I’m not suggesting Melania is as impactful or disturbing as a film like Triumph of the Will. However, both are driven by similar underlying motivations. While it might be satisfying to see Jeff Bezos lose money on the film deal, we shouldn’t lose sight of that core issue.
Melania Trump described the film not as a documentary, but as a creative work offering different viewpoints and observations, as she stated at its premiere.
The first lady, who also narrated and helped produce the project, allegedly earned around $28 million for what has been described as an immersive experience.
Money she very much does not earn.
Television
Our reporter was surprised to see a Melania Trump impersonator greeting people as they entered the first screening of “Melania” at the Grove cinema.
People expecting to learn something about Melania Trump or the life of a First Lady when they watch “Melania” will instead find a drawn-out documentary that feels like watching someone prepare for an awards show.
This scene feels like Donald Trump’s second inauguration, and director Ratner—returning to work after facing accusations of sexual misconduct from six women—presents it with a grand, almost religious tone. He emphasizes this through dramatic visuals, like long shots of the presidential motorcade, and by using the patriotic hymn “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as the Trumps appear at an inaugural ball.
And if all that seems overly flattering, at the very end of the inauguration celebrations, Ratner quietly says, “sweet dreams, Mr. President.” It’s a line that perfectly captures the tone of everything that happened – it could have easily been the film’s title.
The story mainly focuses on the first lady arriving at various locations – stepping off private planes, exiting limousines, and entering luxurious rooms. Inside, she and her design team enthusiastically discuss a gown carefully made to hide its construction, admire a lavish inaugural dinner featuring caviar served in a golden egg, and plan the new furnishings that will replace those of the previous residents.
The beautiful surroundings are briefly paused as Tham Kannalikham, the interior designer overseeing the White House transition, shares her story. She explains that her family came to America from Laos when she was a toddler, and working in the White House feels like the fulfillment of the American dream. Standing next to her, Donald Trump, who is also an immigrant, doesn’t say anything.
Television
A new documentary about Melania Trump is facing controversy due to the director’s involvement and the ongoing situation in Minneapolis.
Beyond the political events, Trump also engaged in several personal interactions. He spoke with France’s Brigitte Macron about fighting cyberbullying, met with Jordan’s Queen Rania to discuss support for foster children, and offered comfort to Aviva Siegel, a former hostage of Hamas. Siegel’s story, as her husband was still being held hostage at the time, provided a genuinely moving moment in the film, though it also seemed intended to showcase Trump’s compassion and deliver a political message.
The documentary follows Melania Trump as she attends Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Through her voiceover, we learn about the grief she experienced after her mother’s death the previous year. We also see her secretly film her husband while he practices his inaugural address.
She calmly suggested he strengthen his desired legacy – describing himself as both a “peacemaker” and a “unifier” – and he actually used both terms in his speech the following day.
Even through everything happening around her, the first lady consistently maintains a remarkably composed and distant demeanor, truly embodying the idea of being statue-like in her stillness and reserve.
Considering what the film is about and the fact that she controls everything shown, it was unrealistic to expect any candid or personal moments – like seeing Melania in casual clothes or doing everyday things. One scene, where the insensitive filmmaker tries to get her to sing along to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” finally makes her laugh. While his constant close-ups of her feet are unsettling, it does at least provide a silly game to play while watching.
Even so, “Melania” is as cynical a piece of filmmaking as exists since the art form began.
California
Los Angeles Metro reported that ads featuring Melania Trump were vandalized following the shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis.
Hearing her speak with such passion about her responsibilities, her deep affection for the United States as an immigrant, and her commitment to improving the lives of all Americans—particularly children and families—brought to mind a powerful scene from “A Wrinkle in Time.” It reminded me of when young Charles Wallace is captivated by the deceptively comforting words of the evil IT, which is trying to control him.
The superficial blandness of “Melania” isn’t boring; it’s calculated, infuriating and horrifying.
The First Lady speaks of a world filled with peace, love, and togetherness, but her husband’s actions tell a different story. He’s deployed immigration agents who are causing fear and detaining people – including citizens and legal residents – and has even been linked to the deaths of American protestors. While she expresses concern for children and families, her husband is cutting funding for programs that support them and for schools. She claims to fight against online bullying, yet her husband, the President, frequently uses social media to lie, threaten others, and attack their character.
President Trump is known for many things, but bringing people together isn’t one of them. He consistently prioritizes winning, and has demonstrated repeatedly that he’s more interested in getting even than in finding common ground.
While Melania Trump is her own person, this movie essentially acts as a 90-minute advertisement for Donald Trump. Considering he’s legally barred from running for president again, that’s particularly troubling.
The release of “Melania” drew significant criticism, especially coming so soon after federal agents killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. Critics also strongly condemned public figures like Apple CEO Tim Cook for attending a premiere event that featured lavish treats – cookies iced with the name “Melania” – which many considered insensitive.
For someone who creates, purchases, and shares a film claiming to be a true story but is actually blatant propaganda, now is an ideal moment.
It’s strange to focus on something like the First Lady’s seamless inaugural gown when there are much more serious concerns, like the possibility of the government harming its own people. It feels misplaced to prioritize making her husband happy over addressing such critical issues.
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2026-01-31 14:01