Melania: A Film Review
Melania, the much-anticipated film, falls short of expectations. Viewers have resoundingly chosen to steer clear of it, making it one of the most significant box office failures to date. The decision to avoid it is undoubtedly the right one.
The film’s major flaw lies in its lackluster narrative, despite its extensive $40 million budget and exclusive access to a globally renowned figure like Melania Trump. The movie, clocking in at 1 hour and 48 minutes, primarily showcases Melania’s repetitive routine of entering and exiting various locations, hopping between cars and planes in what seems like a monotonous loop. The repetitive nature of these sequences sets the tone for the entire film.
What remains is a blend of contrived dialogues and glimpses of Melania engaging with designers for the 2025 Inauguration. The meticulous adjustments to her iconic black and white dress and hat take center stage, overshadowing other aspects of her preparations. However, the film fails to delve into the intricate process behind creating these garments, focusing solely on their final presentation to the First Lady-elect. The excessive focus on Melania admiring herself in mirrors becomes wearisome for viewers.
For those expecting a peek into Melania’s life with Donald Trump, the film disappoints. Trump’s limited presence, mostly in the latter part of the movie, portrays their interactions as casual rather than intimate. The depicted phone conversation discussing Trump’s election victory feels out of place, given the timing disparities.
Despite attempts to humanize Melania, the film falls short. Director Brett Ratner inadvertently portrays her as peculiar and detached, evident through her scripted voice-overs lacking genuine emotion. Melania’s admiration for her son Baron overshadows her sentiments towards her husband, Donald.
The film briefly captures moments of empathy, notably when Melania consoles former hostage Aviva Siegel. However, her inconsistent displays of compassion raise questions about her true intentions. The film’s soundtrack, featuring popular songs like “Gimme Shelter” and “Billie Jean,” alongside Melania’s favorite track “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” adds an odd layer to the narrative.
A peculiar stylistic choice emerges midway through the film as Ratner incorporates grainy filters reminiscent of old film cameras, evoking an unsettling effect akin to historical footage. Despite potential for a so-bad-it’s-good appeal, Melania fails to achieve the level of engagement found in cult classics.
In conclusion, Melania stands as a testament to missed opportunities. It’s a film marred by unfulfilled promises, portraying its subjects in a less-than-flattering light. Audiences are advised to steer clear of this cinematic misfire.