Amazon’s documentary on Melania Trump has stirred up quite a bit of controversy due to its hefty price tag. The streaming giant forked out a staggering $40 million to secure the film rights from Melania Trump’s production company, plus an additional $35 million for marketing. This makes it one of the priciest documentaries ever produced.
Brett Ratner, the director, addressed the concern at the film’s premiere. He highlighted the high-quality production, mentioning, “We spent more on music than I did on Rush Hour.” Ratner emphasized that they aimed for top-notch visuals, using multiple skilled cinematographers, and a large crew right from day one.
This massive budget has led to criticism, with some suggesting that it’s more of a $75 million bribe to win favor with the Trump family. According to The New York Times, the $35 million allocated for marketing is notably ten times the average spending for major documentary films, especially considering the project was shot in just 20 days. Reports indicate that Melania Trump may pocket around $27 million from this lucrative licensing deal.
Interestingly, Melania has described the film not as a documentary but as a “creative experience,” aiming to offer unique insights and moments. This perspective raises questions about the nature of documentaries and how they are defined today.
In recent years, the film industry has seen considerable shifts. Experts point to a growing trend where documentaries are becoming more cinematic, often blurring the line with traditional films. This change could be influenced by audience demand for higher production values and compelling storytelling.
As of now, the conversation around Melania’s documentary also reflects broader social media reactions, where viewers express both excitement and skepticism. With documentaries often facing tighter scrutiny, this film seems poised to be a talking point for both fans and critics alike.
For further insights on documentary filmmaking trends, you can check out this report from the Pew Research Center.
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