Today in Focus Melania: will Bezos-bankrolled documentary be a flop? – The Latest
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Jan 27, 2026 
Catherine Short, Guardian film editor and industry commentator, breaks down the Melania Trump documentary's high‑stakes financing and awkward rollout. She discusses why Amazon paid huge sums, Hollywood’s cozy ties with Trump circles, and the director’s controversial comeback. The conversation follows the film’s unusual promotional strategies and lukewarm ticket response.
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Strategic Purchase Over Profit
- Amazon paid an unprecedented $40m for the Melania documentary amid a bidding war with Disney and Paramount.
- The purchase likely served strategic relationship-building more than a sound financial bet.
Glitzy, Branded White House Premiere
- The White House premiere featured monochrome branding with branded biscuits, black-and-white macaroons and popcorn buckets bearing Melania's face.
- Around 70 VIPs attended, including Tim Cook, the Queen of Jordan and Mike Tyson.
Hollywood's Capitulation To Power
- Hollywood appears cowed and eager to court Trump's favour amid political and commercial pressures.
- Studios seek access and influence, accepting reputational trade-offs to protect business interests.