Melania Trump Documentary Criticized as “Hollow Propaganda”

The documentary “Melania” has received an overwhelmingly negative critical reception, with reviewers across major publications condemning the film as hollow propaganda lacking substance and journalistic integrity.

Directed by Brett Ratner, whose career was previously disrupted by sexual assault allegations he has denied, the Amazon MGM production was reportedly acquired for $40 million but is projected to earn only about $5 million at the box office according to the National Research Group.

Despite being marketed as a prestigious, revealing portrait of the former first lady that would offer “perspectives, insights, and moments,” critics have universally panned the documentary as an exercise in carefully managed image control that prioritizes glossy production values over meaningful content.

The Guardian’s Xan Brooks delivered one of the most scathing reviews, comparing the film to “an elaborate piece of designer taxidermy, horribly overpriced and ice-cold to the touch and proffered like a medieval tribute to placate the greedy king on his throne.” Brooks suggested a genuine documentary about Melania Trump could be compelling, but argued that this production fundamentally fails to qualify as authentic documentary filmmaking.

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter characterized the film as worse than a hagiography, noting its excessive flattery of its subject. He drew a connection between Ratner’s controversial past and what he described as the Trump administration’s pattern of pardoning “unsavory people.”

The timing and financial backing of the documentary have raised additional concerns among critics. Sophie Gilbert of The Atlantic highlighted the uncomfortable juxtaposition of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos investing heavily in the film while reportedly preparing job cuts at The Washington Post. Gilbert noted that Amazon representatives have insisted the significant investment was made because “customers are going to love it,” though critical consensus suggests otherwise.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman described the film as “so orchestrated and airbrushed and stage-managed that it barely rises to the level of a shameless infomercial,” adding that it “feels like it’s been stitched together out of the most innocuous outtakes from a reality show.”

Critics have also questioned the artistic choices in the film, with Decider’s Jesse Hassenger mocking Ratner’s music selection, which includes prominent needle drops of Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Hassenger suggested such choices positioned Ratner as an “idiot” rather than a filmmaker of Scorsese or Luhrmann’s caliber.

Perhaps most succinctly, BuzzFeed’s Natasha Jokic simply stated: “Melania is the worst movie I’ve ever seen.”

The documentary’s reception raises broader questions about the intersection of political influence, media investment, and artistic integrity. Critics have pointed to Amazon’s significant financial backing as potentially being motivated by factors beyond artistic or commercial merit, suggesting the film serves more as a relationship-building exercise with the Trump family than a genuine cinematic endeavor.

Industry observers note that the film’s critical failure may have limited commercial impact for Amazon, given the company’s vast resources, but the reputational damage to both the subject and the filmmaker could be more lasting. As one reviewer quipped, the documentary “will not be shown on airplanes for fear of passengers walking out.”