The new documentary on First Lady Melania Trump is receiving sharply divided audiences. From sold-out theatres to virtually empty screening rooms, reactions reflect the political divide in the country.
Melania premiered from Amazon MGM Studios which was released on Friday in select US cities. The movie tracks the first lady over the course of 20 days in the run up to President Trump’s return to power. Critics have given mixed reviews, but the audience score of the film on Rotten Tomatoes is high, especially among Trump supporters.
In one Regal theatre north east of Indianapolis, for an afternoon show, about 100 viewers, mostly women in their 50s to 70s, filled almost every row. “It’s a gauntlet,” said Marla Ailor, a local official. “You really thank them for what they have to go through to get towards an event like that.”
Viewers applauded the film for depicting the day-to-day rigours of being first lady. Long hours, high-pressure appearances and such behind-the-scenes details as advising the president-elect on the wording of his inaugural speech.
Similar enthusiasm was said to be reported in Meridian, Idaho, and Jupiter, Florida. Audiences adored Melania’s poise, intelligence and patience. Small personal experiences such as singing along to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean were observed and appreciated.
However, screenings did not all go as well everywhere. In Washington, DC, paying viewers were outnumbered by journalists in the seats. Some international audiences criticised the film, describing it as tone-deaf or likening it to documentaries about the lifestyles of celebrities.
President Trump was in the Kennedy Centre audience for the premiere and dismissed fears over the $40 million purchase by Amazon’s subsidiary MGM Studios to buy the documentary. “It gives proof of life in the White House. It’s a big deal,” he said.
For many the appeal was a personal one. Mary Eike, 74, of Los Angeles, said, “She’s beautiful, charming, strong. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to be just like her.” Erica Strahm, 52 of Indiana, said she was moved by Melania’s thoughts about her late mother.
The documentary emphasises the polarised environment in the US.
Also read: First trailer for Melania Trump documentary released
