Amazon's much-anticipated documentary about former US First Lady Melania Trump appears to be struggling to capture the interest of Australian cinema audiences ahead of its worldwide release. The film, simply titled Melania, is scheduled to premiere in cinemas globally on Friday, January 30, but early indications from ticket sales in Sydney suggest viewers Down Under are showing little enthusiasm for the project.
Empty Seats Across Sydney Cinemas
An examination of seat availability at Hoyts cinemas across Sydney reveals a concerning pattern of sparse bookings for the documentary's opening weekend. The cinema chain's Chatswood theatre, for instance, has secured just eleven reservations for its Friday evening screening at 8:30pm. The situation appears even more dire for the Saturday session at the same location, with a mere two seats currently booked.
Northern Beaches and Western Sydney Follow Similar Pattern
The lacklustre response extends to other Sydney suburbs as well. The Hoyts Cinema at Warringah Mall on the Northern Beaches has attracted only one booking for its Friday premiere screening scheduled for 4:30pm. Meanwhile, in Western Sydney, the Wetherill Park Hoyts cinema has managed to draw just three attendees for its 6:45pm Friday showing.
Record-Breaking Documentary Deal
The 104-minute documentary chronicles the dramatic twenty-day period leading up to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Amazon secured the film rights for an astonishing $40 million after engaging in a fierce bidding war with entertainment giants including Disney, Netflix, and Paramount. This acquisition represents the largest documentary deal in cinematic history.
Behind the Scenes of a First Lady's Transition
The documentary trailer offers glimpses into Melania Trump's world during this pivotal transition period. It opens with the former First Lady, aged 55, preparing to enter the Capitol rotunda in her now-iconic inauguration ensemble, uttering the phrase "Here we go again" with a knowing smile beneath her distinctive wide-brimmed boater-style hat.
Additional footage showcases Melania in various settings: ascending the stairs to her private jet while wearing sky-high stilettos, conducting business meetings at Mar-a-Lago and Manhattan properties, and stunning in her white-and-black inaugural ball gown. The trailer also captures intimate family moments with her son Barron and her father, while simultaneously highlighting the rigorous security protocols surrounding the First Family.
Production Background and First Lady's Involvement
The concept for the documentary emerged immediately following Donald Trump's election victory, with formal negotiations commencing just days later on November 18 of last year. Insiders reveal that Melania Trump has been deeply involved in every aspect of the production, insisting on what she described as "cinematic excellence."
The former First Lady expressed her desire for the project to transcend typical documentary conventions, aiming instead for what she termed an "elevated film" experience. In a statement about the project, Melania explained: "The 20 days of my life, preceding the US Presidential inauguration, constitute a rare and defining moment – one that warrants meticulous care, integrity, and uncompromising craftsmanship."
She added: "I am proud to share this very specific moment of my life – 20 days of intense transition and planning – with moviegoers and fans across the globe."
Continuing Public Presence
The documentary represents another significant milestone in Melania Trump's post-White House public presence, following the successful release of her memoir, also titled Melania, which has maintained a prominent position on the New York Times bestseller list since its publication.
The trailer concludes with Melania reflecting on her motivations for participating in the documentary project, drawing upon her understanding of the intense public scrutiny that accompanies the role of First Lady. "Everyone wants to know. So here it is," she states, offering what appears to be her rationale for granting such intimate access during this transitional period.
