Melania Trump’s Film Reveals an ‘Airless Existence’ and a $28 Million Self-Portrait
A new film, reportedly costing $28 million and largely funded by Melania Trump herself, offers a glimpse into the former First Lady’s world – a world characterized by exacting standards, a carefully curated image, and a striking emotional distance. The film, as described in recent reports, paints a portrait of an existence that is, in the words of one observer, “exhaustingly boring and chillingly vain.”
The film details the 20 days surrounding the inauguration, revealing a meticulously controlled environment where even the staff are expected to mirror the First Lady’s aesthetic. According to accounts of the film, employees consistently dress in deference to Trump, often in black, with some, like her interior designer, adopting matching camel-coloured suits. Even candidates vying for assistant positions are said to have adhered to a monochrome dress code, complete with “buttery hair and prominent cross necklaces.”
A significant portion of the film – approximately 30% – focuses on the intricate fittings for Trump’s inauguration outfits. “My creative vision is always clear and it’s my responsibility to share it with my team so they can bring it to life,” Trump explains in voiceover, a statement that translates into precise commands for her staff. She demands “more tension, tighter” collars and skirts that “skim nearer her hips,” even reprimanding a hat brim as “a little bit wiggly-woggly.” The pressure is palpable, with one assistant tailor fretting over a blouse, accompanied by “stressed violins on the soundtrack.”
Beyond fashion, the film highlights Trump’s disinterest in practical details. While she is presented as being in charge of all inauguration-related parties, there is no discussion of the menu beyond the approval of a single appetizer: a golden egg served in an eggcup on a plate. She reportedly offers no input on its edibility or potential accompaniments, focusing solely on its colour. Notably, the film depicts her as never eating or drinking.
Trump’s attention to detail extends to interior design, where she emphasizes “timeless elegance.” She approves invitations sent in oversized red envelopes, reminiscent of a child’s correspondence to Santa Claus, and insists on meticulous cleaning and steaming of the White House before the Trumps’ departure. A glimpse of Renoir’s La Loge in her office further underscores her aesthetic sensibilities, though it is revealed to be a print rather than the original housed in London’s Courtauld Gallery.
The film also attempts to portray a close relationship with her husband, Donald Trump. One scene features a carefully staged gesture – Trump placing her hand on his waist – intended to convey intimacy. Another shows Donald Trump attempting to adjust her hat before leaning in for a kiss. However, the couple spends the majority of the film apart, with Donald Trump’s phone calls consisting largely of boasting about political victories, met with a perfunctory “Great, well done” from his wife.
Their son, Barron Trump, appears frequently in the final reel, described as moving “bending gently like he’s cosplaying Igor.” His parents discuss him briefly in a limousine, with the President stating, “He’s cute, we have cute conversations,” and the First Lady adding, “Yeah, I love him.”
A surprising revelation is Trump’s affinity for Michael Jackson, whom she met once with her husband. She identifies “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” as her favourite songs, even briefly duetting on the former with the film’s director, Brett Ratner.
The film also showcases Trump’s preference for black attire, illustrated through scenes at Jimmy Carter’s funeral and a memorial ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. At Arlington, she is described as cutting an “unmistakably mafioso figure,” striding in stilettos under an umbrella and nodding at strangers.
The involvement of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is also noted, with Bezos receiving screen time, potentially as a benefit for distributing the film despite potential credibility concerns. Apple CEO Tim Cook also makes a brief appearance via video call, discussing campaigns to limit children’s screen time.
Despite presenting Trump as a world leader with ambitions to “break all norms” and reinvent the role of First Lady, the film ultimately falls short of offering a revolutionary cinematic experience. It is characterized as an “exhaustingly boring and chillingly vain autohagiography,” culminating in a disclaimer-like statement from Trump herself: “Today was so rich with meaning, and since each moment was historic and filled with purpose, time no longer mattered.”
Ultimately, the film suggests that Melania Trump’s mystique and carefully constructed image were more compelling than a candid portrayal of her life and experiences. In the end, charging for a peek behind the veil may not have been a clear-sighted move for a woman whose enigma proved more flattering than airbrushed honesty.
