Attendees at the premiere included the president, members of his administration, and numerous representatives of the conservative press. Melania Trump described the film as "beautiful, emotional, and cinematic."
The project cost Amazon MGM Studios a significant amount: approximately $40 million for the film rights and about $35 million for its marketing and distribution. After the theatrical run, the film will become an exclusive on Amazon Prime Video.
However, financial forecasts raise doubts. Analysts expect the opening box office to be modest, and critics point out that the film's advertising expenses are comparable to major releases, which is unusual for the documentary genre. Against the backdrop of low ticket sales, questions about the commercial viability of the project are becoming increasingly relevant. Predictions for the first weekend's earnings range from $1 to $5 million.
The political context also fuels interest in the project. Some experts wonder if the high cost of the deal reflects support from a major company for the current administration. Amazon has denied such assumptions, emphasizing that the decision to purchase was purely economically justified and related to expectations of viewer interest. "We acquired the rights to the documentary and series about Melania Trump solely because we are confident in its demand among the audience," the company stated.
At the premiere on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he sees no problems with Amazon's actions. "This is business, and they operate for profit," he said. "I am confident that they will be able to make money from this film. But, in my opinion, its cultural significance is also invaluable."
