Amazon Prime Video is set to release a groundbreaking documentary on Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner. This new film aims to provide an intimate look into the life of the future first lady, Melania Trump, revealing facets of her world never seen before.
The Associated Press reported that Amazon claimed exclusive rights to stream and theatrically release the documentary, which is still under production. Scheduled for release later this year, the project has sparked significant interest for its promise of unique insights.
Director Brett Ratner, known for his extensive work in Hollywood, takes the helm of this project marking his return to the spotlight after a hiatus that followed sexual misconduct allegations against him in November 2017.
Melania, the wife of soon-to-be inaugurated President Donald Trump, has remained a figure of mystery. This documentary, therefore, stands as a pivotal exploration of her personal and public life.
The documentary is expected to delve into various aspects of Melania Trump's life, including her family and her "Be Best" initiative, which has been her main focus alongside limited participation in the presidential campaign.
Produced by Argentine filmmaker Fernando Sulichin, the documentary will add another layer to the intricate relationship between the Trump administration and Amazon.
This relationship has evolved significantly, seeing a $1 million donation from Amazon to the President-elect's inauguration fund and a pledge to stream the inauguration via Amazon Prime Video.
As for Melania Trump, previously she released a memoir titled After herself, which provides a baseline narrative, potentially enriching the documentary's content.
With Donald Trump’s inauguration slated for January 20, Amazon's involvement in streaming the event represents a strategic alignment with the incoming administration. This initiative is valued at another $1 million, showing a strengthening bond between the corporate giant and the Trump presidency.
Amazon’s and The Washington Post’s owner, Jeff Bezos, expressed optimism about Donald Trump’s second term and the potential for regulatory cutbacks beneficial to his businesses. This marked a stark contrast from past criticisms aimed at Bezos and his companies by Trump.
Despite these tensions, the documentary's release underscores a nuanced shift in the relationship. This shift was partly influenced by Bezos' decision in October to abstain from any presidential endorsements through The Washington Post, a move that led to substantial pushback from the paper’s journalists and readership.
October's decision by Bezos led to a significant number of subscription cancellations and protests from The Washington Post journalists. A prominent cartoonist from the paper resigned after her sketch critical of Bezos’ actions was rejected.
These events display the sometimes tumultuous interplay between media, its ownership, and the political sphere. They also highlight the delicate balance Bezos is navigating as he supports the Trump administration while managing backlash from his establishments.
For Amazon and Brett Ratner, the documentary not only represents a high-profile production venture but also a chance to mediate public relations through candid storytelling.
The company announced that this documentary would provide viewers with an “unprecedented behind-the-scenes look” at Melania Trump, adding a “truly unique story” to the public's knowledge about her. This declaration has raised public expectations and curiosity about the intimate details of the First Lady's life and her personal experiences.
As the world prepares for Donald Trump's inauguration and his second term, this documentary could serve as a critical piece of cultural and political commentary, reflecting the complexities of U.S. governance, media, and their intersections with global business empires.