Melania: will Bezos-bankrolled documentary be a flop? – The Latest
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This episode is titled:
Melania: will Bezos-bankrolled documentary be a flop? – The Latest
Notable Quotes
"It's clearly standard practice for Trump to put on a gaudy, extraordinary display of vanity and tastelessness at a time of national tragedy."
"The questions that people would like to have answered about her aren't necessarily the ones that will be answered by this film."
"Amazon might need to buy some tickets themselves. I mean, they're already in for a penny, in for a pound with this one."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode, host Lucy Hough is joined by Catherine Short, the film editor at The Guardian, to analyze Amazon's audacious move of purchasing a documentary about Melania Trump for $40 million, a record amount for any documentary. The acquisition is framed within the current, precarious state of the film industry and reflects Hollywood's ongoing attempts to curry favor with Trump and his inner circle.
The discussion highlights how Tim Cook and other VIPs attended the glitzy premiere event for the documentary at the Trump White House, which took place amid national tragedies. They note the peculiarities surrounding the film's trailer, which seems to present Melania as an enigmatic figure, whilst also being closely controlled and curated by her.
The podcast dives into how the film does not promise the revelations audiences might expect, with Melania involved in every aspect of its production, which raises questions about its authenticity. The guests also touch on the industry's bidding war involving major players like Disney and Paramount for the rights to the film and the strategic implications of such acquisitions amid a changing socio-political landscape.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the release strategy of the film, with reports of very few tickets sold despite being shown in numerous cinemas, leading to speculation that Amazon might be paying theaters to screen it. The discussion ultimately reflects on the broader implications of such a film in today's Hollywood, amidst ongoing tensions and the quest for credibility in the industry.
The discussion highlights how Tim Cook and other VIPs attended the glitzy premiere event for the documentary at the Trump White House, which took place amid national tragedies. They note the peculiarities surrounding the film's trailer, which seems to present Melania as an enigmatic figure, whilst also being closely controlled and curated by her.
The podcast dives into how the film does not promise the revelations audiences might expect, with Melania involved in every aspect of its production, which raises questions about its authenticity. The guests also touch on the industry's bidding war involving major players like Disney and Paramount for the rights to the film and the strategic implications of such acquisitions amid a changing socio-political landscape.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the release strategy of the film, with reports of very few tickets sold despite being shown in numerous cinemas, leading to speculation that Amazon might be paying theaters to screen it. The discussion ultimately reflects on the broader implications of such a film in today's Hollywood, amidst ongoing tensions and the quest for credibility in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon's $40 million acquisition of Melania Trump's documentary is unprecedented for the genre.
- Hollywood's relationship with Trump remains complex as studios seek favor despite previous political alignments.
- The documentary is highly controlled by Melania Trump, likely limiting the insights it offers.
- Current release strategies suggest Amazon may be financially supporting cinema screenings due to lack of audience interest.
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