Despite President Trump’s claims of "hard-to-get" tickets, the documentary MELANIA is projected to be a box office flop, with low advance sales and a domestic opening projected in the low millions. Amazon MGM Studios paid a record $40 million for the license, but audiences appear unwilling to pay for what critics describe as a "104-minute transition vlog" in an empty theater.
The film’s failure is attributed to three factors: a lack of compelling narrative (resembling a "perfume commercial" rather than a drama), the controversy surrounding director Brett Ratner which stifled promotional buzz, and the "Prime problem"—viewers likely won’t even stream the "dry" content at home.
Ultimately, the article argues the film’s high price tag was likely a lobbying expense to gain favor with the new administration rather than a legitimate commercial bet. The public is rejecting the film, viewing it as "political propaganda" rather than entertainment.
