Attendees at the premiere included the president, members of his cabinet, and many notable figures from conservative media. Melania Trump described the film as "beautiful, emotional, and cinematic."
The production of the film cost Amazon MGM Studios a significant amount: approximately $40 million for the rights and about $35 million for marketing and distribution. After its theatrical run, the film will be available on Amazon Prime Video.
However, current commercial prospects are in doubt. Analysts expect modest opening box office numbers, and critics note that the advertising expenses are comparable to those allocated for major films, which is unusual for the documentary genre. Amid low interest in tickets, discussions about the project's success at the box office are becoming increasingly relevant. Projected earnings for the opening weekend range from $1 to $5 million.
The political context adds additional resonance to the situation. Some experts question whether such an expensive deal is a manifestation of support from a major corporation for the current administration. Amazon denies these assumptions, emphasizing that the decision to purchase was driven solely by commercial interests and expectations of viewer interest. "We acquired the rights to the documentary and series about Melania Trump for one simple reason — we believe it will generate viewer interest," the company stated.
At the screening last Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he sees no issues with Amazon's actions.
"Amazon is a business, and they act in their interests to make a profit," he noted. "I believe they will be able to make money from this film. However, it also has significant cultural value."
