Melania" Documentary: UK Box Office Debut Disappoints but Sparks Controversy
The documentary "Melania" about the US first lady had a lackluster opening weekend at the UK box office, debuting at No 29. Despite the media attention surrounding the film, it only managed to earn £32,974 from 155 cinemas, with an average of £212.80 per screen. While the box office numbers fell short of expectations, they were not as disastrous as anticipated.
Before its release, there were concerns about the film's performance in the UK, with reports of "soft" ticket sales. On the day of its release, some screenings had low attendance, while others, like the one at Vue Islington, were fully booked with journalists eager to see the film. Amazon's decision not to preview the film ahead of time led to a rush of reporters attending screenings.
In contrast, the US box office saw "Melania" exceed predictions on its opening day, grossing $2.9m from 1,778 cinemas. However, it was still considered a flop compared to other films. The horror film "Iron Lung," inspired by a popular game, outperformed "Melania" at the box office, making seven times its budget in the US and reaching No 4 in the UK.
Despite negative reviews and a low rating on review platforms, some viewers have shown support for the film, giving it a high score. Critics have criticized the documentary for its staged portrayal of Melania Trump and its blend of reality TV and fiction. The film follows the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration in 2025.
In the UK, "Melania" faced tough competition from other films like "Iron Lung" and "Hamnet," which topped the box office with £1.4m in earnings. Despite its underwhelming performance, "Melania" has sparked discussions and divided opinions among viewers and critics alike.