The documentary 'Melania: 20 Days to History', which chronicles the life and public role of US First Lady Melania Trump, has become a subject of intense media scrutiny following its international release. Produced with a staggering budget of approximately ₹687 crore ($82 million), the film was expected to make a significant impact globally. However, the reality at the London premiere presented a stark contrast to these expectations. According to reports from various media outlets, only one ticket was sold for the film's premiere screening at a prominent London cinema, despite high-profile promotion by US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump's role as a co-producer.
Box Office Disparity and Premiere Reality
According to reports by Xinhua, 'Melania: 20 Days to History' saw a relatively strong opening in the United States, earning approximately $7 million on its first day. Analysts attribute this initial surge to the active support of Donald Trump's political base. For a documentary feature, a $7 million opening is considered a notable financial milestone. However, this domestic success didn't translate to international markets. At a cinema in Islington, London, the premiere screening reportedly saw only one ticket sale, while a subsequent evening show managed to sell only two tickets, highlighting a significant lack of interest among the British public.
Critical Reception and London Screenings
British columnist and film critic Judith Woods shared her experience of viewing the documentary at a mall in North London. According to her account, there were only five people in the entire theater. Woods noted that one attendee was a woman who had entered the cinema primarily to escape the freezing cold rather than out of interest in the film. Critics have largely dismissed the documentary, with many describing it as a promotional piece rather than a balanced journalistic endeavor. This perception appears to have deterred general audiences who seek objective biographical content.
Brett Ratner's Directorial Return
The documentary marks the directorial return of Brett Ratner after a hiatus of nearly 12 years. Ratner had been absent from the filmmaking scene following various personal controversies and allegations of sexual misconduct. Although Ratner has denied all allegations and no criminal charges were filed against him, his involvement in such a high-stakes project was seen as a major comeback attempt. Despite the high production values and the high-profile subject matter, the film has struggled to gain critical acclaim or widespread cinematic acceptance outside of specific political circles.
Documentary Scope and Content
Released by Amazon MGM Studios, the documentary focuses on the 20 days leading up to President Trump's second inauguration in 2025. C. The film incorporates previously unreleased footage, private meetings, and candid conversations aimed at providing an intimate look at her role as First Lady. The ₹687 crore budget is reflected in the high-quality cinematography and the extensive use of private archival material.
Analysis of Market Performance
According to industry analysts, the success of a documentary often hinges on its perceived objectivity and its ability to resonate with a broad audience. In the case of 'Melania: 20 Days to History', the heavy political undertones and the nature of its promotion may have limited its appeal to a global audience. While it found a dedicated viewership in the US, the international market, particularly in cultural hubs like London, showed a clear preference for content with broader cinematic appeal. The disparity between the production cost and the international box office returns suggests a challenging road ahead for the film's global distribution strategy.