Washington, D.C. — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel offered pointed critiques of Melania Trump’s new documentary film during his shows on January 28 and 29. Kimmel humorously questioned aspects ranging from the guest list at the premiere to predicted box office revenues, highlighting a mixed reception for a film surrounded by controversy.
The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, is set to unveil Melania Trump’s life leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration. It premiered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 29 and will release nationwide on January 30. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Kimmel likened the documentary’s anticipated viewership to the elusive Epstein Files, claiming that “no one’s ever going to see them.”
Throughout his broadcasts, Kimmel poked fun at the celebrity guests attending the premiere. He quipped about the excitement surrounding the event, stating, “Not since ‘The Terminator’ has there been this much excitement for a movie about a European cyborg.” Notable attendees included figures like Nicki Minaj, Dr. Phil, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., while most of Donald Trump’s children were conspicuously absent.
Kimmel also took aim at Ratner, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations, dubbing the film a “corporate bribe” rather than a legitimate documentary. He pointed out that Amazon contributed a staggering $75 million in production and marketing, suggesting that the financial backing was more about political influence than artistic merit. Kimmel comically referenced a statement from an Amazon spokesperson, inferring that the spokesperson’s laughter betrayed the film’s dubious appeal.
Despite an aggressive marketing campaign, initial box office forecasts suggested the film might gross between $1 million and $5 million over its opening weekend. However, it unexpectedly earned around $7 million. Kimmel remarked on Melania’s substantial earnings from the project, quipping, “Between this and her marriage, she’s probably the highest-paid actress in the world.”
Early reviews have largely been unflattering, with critics describing the film as superficial. Independent critic Nick Hilton gave it a dismal one-star rating. Unfavorable social media reactions were evident as well, with various postings displaying nearly empty theater screenings. Additionally, in locations such as Los Angeles, billboards promoting the film were vandalized by an activist group.
Reports from behind the scenes hinted at challenges during production, which was completed in just 20 days—a notably tight timeframe for a project of this scale. Many crew members described the set as disorganized, prompting some to request their names be removed from the credits. This discontent raises questions about the quality of the final product.
Even leading up to the film’s official release, it faced challenges on platforms like Letterboxd, showing a trend of negative preemptive reviews. To generate buzz, Melania Trump made a public appearance at the New York Stock Exchange, ringing the opening bell as part of a promotional effort.
While Kimmel sarcastically noted that Melania claimed both Donald and Barron enjoyed the film, he countered with his own skepticism, saying, “All the people in the movie are giving it rave reviews. That’s enough for me.” This exchange underscores the broader conversation surrounding the film and its controversy-laden journey from production to premiere.