Critics called "Melania," the opulent and controversial documentary from Hollywood pariah Brett Ratner, an "elaborate piece of designer taxidermy, horribly overpriced and ice-cold."
The Atlantic said that "Ratner seems desperate to find action, but there is none" in his quest to chronicle first lady Melania Trump's life in the 20 days leading up to her husband's second inauguration in January 2025. Variety's film critic argued that "Melania," released in theaters Jan. 30, was "a piece of state-sanctioned propaganda out of 1960s Communist China."
And yet, the film still recorded a $7 million opening weekend, according to estimates Sunday, Feb. 1.
Melania Trump documentary shocks at the box office
The movie's blockbuster status may represent the gap that continues to exist between Hollywood and President Donald Trump's grasp on his MAGA fan base.
