What's Happening?
Michelle Obama's 2020 documentary 'Becoming' experienced a significant increase in viewership, coinciding with the release of the documentary 'Melania' in cinemas. Over the weekend, 'Becoming' garnered 47.5 million minutes viewed, marking a 13,000% rise from the previous weekend's 354,000 minutes, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter. Meanwhile, 'Melania,' produced by Amazon with a $40 million budget and a $35 million advertising spend, achieved $7 million in its first weekend at the U.S. box office, the highest opening for a documentary in over a decade. Despite this, 'Melania' struggled internationally, ranking 29th in the UK and 31st in Australia, and received a 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to 'Becoming's' 93%. The audience for 'Melania' was
predominantly white women over 55. The film's director, Brett Ratner, faced controversy due to past allegations of sexual misconduct and a recent photo with Jeffrey Epstein.
Why It's Important?
The contrasting reception of 'Becoming' and 'Melania' highlights the ongoing public interest in former First Lady Michelle Obama and the challenges faced by 'Melania' in gaining similar traction. The surge in views for 'Becoming' underscores its enduring appeal and the public's continued fascination with Michelle Obama's story. In contrast, 'Melania's' mixed reception and low ratings suggest difficulties in resonating with a broader audience, potentially impacting its long-term success. The controversy surrounding Brett Ratner may further affect the film's perception and reception. This situation reflects broader societal interests and the varying public perceptions of political figures and their narratives.
What's Next?
The future of 'Melania' may involve strategic efforts to improve its international performance and address the controversies surrounding its director. Amazon might consider additional marketing strategies or re-evaluating its distribution approach to enhance the film's appeal. Meanwhile, the continued success of 'Becoming' could lead to further projects or initiatives involving Michelle Obama, capitalizing on her popularity. The contrasting outcomes of these documentaries may influence future productions about political figures, shaping how such narratives are crafted and marketed.
Beyond the Headlines
The release and reception of 'Melania' raise questions about the ethical implications of documentary filmmaking, particularly when involving controversial figures like Brett Ratner. The film's struggle to connect with audiences may reflect broader cultural and societal attitudes towards the subjects it portrays. Additionally, the significant viewership of 'Becoming' suggests a sustained public interest in narratives that offer personal insights into influential figures, potentially influencing future documentary trends and the types of stories that resonate with audiences.
