Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Miles Archer

(21,970 posts)
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 01:57 PM Monday

MOVIE FANS prove HOW MUCH THEY HATE AMERICA by not lining up for the First Nude's $40 M Bezos Documentary

Melania Trump's $40 Million Documentary Gamble Is Headed for Empty Chairs and Low Streams
Olamide Oloro
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 4:27 PM EST

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/melania-trumps-40-million-documentary-212744769.html

There is a difference between a movement and a movie audience.

While the polls show Donald Trump has the voters, the advance ticket numbers for MELANIA show something else entirely: his supporters are happy to vote for him, but they aren't willing to pay to watch a 104-minute transition vlog directed by Brett Ratner.

Despite the President’s recent claims that tickets to the premiere at the newly renamed "Trump-Kennedy Center" are a "very hard get," industry tracking tells a different story. Tracking models are currently projecting a domestic opening in the low single-digit millions—a fraction of the $40 million Amazon paid for it. One source told Hollywood insider Rob Shuter that in New York, "only a handful of seats have been booked," adding: "The studio was expecting a big turnout, but so far it's not materializing."

It turns out that even the most loyal base has a limit, and asking them to shell out $25 for a movie that feels like a long-form campaign ad might be crossing it. Amazon bet $40 million on a theatrical event; right now, it looks like they bought a very expensive flop.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/melania-trumps-40-million-documentary-212744769.html

69 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
MOVIE FANS prove HOW MUCH THEY HATE AMERICA by not lining up for the First Nude's $40 M Bezos Documentary (Original Post) Miles Archer Monday OP
Too bad Bezos has too much money to be hurt financially by this turd. marble falls Monday #1
It's a tax deduction azureblue Monday #40
A minor one, to be sure. marble falls Monday #41
BS. The studio was not "expecting a big turnout." maxsolomon Monday #2
Yes $40,000,000 to go away and leave Amazon alone. won't work, he always wants more. IA8IT Monday #6
I assumed this film would have gone directly to television Brother Buzz Monday #3
Oooooooo! That's a GOOD one! calimary Monday #44
Doesn't help that Avalon Sparks Monday #4
I'm not sure what they think of her, but you're right Miles Archer Monday #8
She's one of those "Klassy with a K" losers that make others snicker and roll their eyes. Marie Marie Monday #26
That is an impressive array of adjectives that I thoroughly enjoyed reading! 3catwoman3 Monday #38
I was an English major, got my B.A....it's a blessing and a curse sometimes. Miles Archer Monday #59
I was the odd mix of liking science and language arts (formerly known as English)... 3catwoman3 Monday #61
Mara-Loco-two faced mercuryblues Monday #58
They are the biggest hypocrites Avalon Sparks 13 hrs ago #67
"$25 for a movie that feels like a long-form campaign ad" Dulcinea Monday #5
It will become after-midnight fodder for obscure cable channels in a few years. nt Wednesdays Monday #53
I HATE having to read English subtitles. Conjuay Monday #7
As we all know . . . AverageOldGuy Monday #23
Well, in all fairness PatSeg Monday #9
Its not Melania they're in love with. She just decorates Luz 11 hrs ago #68
Which is so bizarre to me PatSeg 9 hrs ago #69
I've seen a few movies where I hated all the characters, Americanme Monday #10
Free popcorn 🍿 might help... Conjuay Monday #11
Free popcorn, chocolate and margaritas with nachos would not work for me TNNurse Monday #17
Maybe, maybe not. generalbetrayus Monday #19
I'd prefer to watch either "Manos: The Hands of Fate" or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" as opposed to high-fashion hamburglar Crowman2009 Monday #14
The MST3K Version fmdaddio Monday #37
I have the restored version of Manos on Blu-ray. Crowman2009 Monday #47
Wasn't intended to be a money maker drmeow Monday #12
Exactly LR3 Monday #15
Why pay? They can get their porn free on the intertubes NewHendoLib Monday #13
My Prediction for the Future Roy Rolling Monday #16
And then Donnie will whine and stomp his feet and claim TDS is being unfair to his wife who Marie Marie Monday #28
Malaria should have taken her clothes off dalton99a Monday #18
Hopefully Orange Julius Caesar didn't. generalbetrayus Monday #20
OMFG! Marie Marie Monday #29
Obviously a fake... The Madcap Monday #33
MY EYES, MY EYES! ShazzieB Monday #45
Bezos giving trmp's wife a Forty Million Dollar vanity film... spanone Monday #21
And how Nazi Fascist Fuck of Bezos. Cha Monday #25
Well, duh! Who would want to pay money to watch what's essentially state sponsored propaganda? Initech Monday #22
Do people still go to the theater to watch porn??? BaronChocula Monday #24
Last person I recall doing that was the late great Fred Willard. Crowman2009 Monday #51
I forgot about Fred Willard BaronChocula Monday #57
You need a few flops to shield the profits from the revenuers. bluedigger Monday #27
I wouldn't go if they paid me to see it... wcmagumba Monday #30
I would live to see Traildogbob Monday #31
Please, no jmowreader Monday #50
What possibly could she say or do for a full hour and a half? The trailers seem to show allegorical oracle Monday #32
It's probably because of all the plastic surgery she's had, through the years. calimary Monday #46
Just a little 40 million dollar bribe Johonny Monday #34
Wow!!!! Who saw that coming? GoCubsGo Monday #35
It was never more than an open bribe. Still, funny to Maru Kitteh Monday #36
WHAT I ALWAYS FOUND HILARIOUS. . . Jimvanhise Monday #39
Saying "Polls show Donald Trump has the voters" is very generous. nt Wednesdays Monday #42
The Box Office numbers will melm00se Monday #43
Good point. He'll pay people to make it a sell-out. Like he did at T Tower when they came allegorical oracle Monday #48
When in reality, she'll always be Girmar from Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. Crowman2009 Monday #52
Hilarious! ShazzieB Monday #49
A film about Dollar Store Lurch's mom. Meh. flvegan Monday #54
Um ... what was that? NeoTrajan Monday #55
News flash: the people interested in Melaria Hassler Monday #56
It's not opening until the 30th Beaverhausen Monday #60
Bending a knee is gonna cost ya, Jeffy Norbert Monday #62
Breaking News!!! William Gustafson Monday #63
If they wanted a hit, they would have featured the Ilsa Monday #64
Good. It was a bribe, anyway. She thinks she's Jackie, God forbid. Joinfortmill Yesterday #65
True, but we have to at least give her credit for her mission to end cyberbullying Miles Archer Yesterday #66

maxsolomon

(38,295 posts)
2. BS. The studio was not "expecting a big turnout."
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:01 PM
Monday

They knew it was a loss leader. The movie is clearly a bribe to keep MFer off Bezos' ass.

Ratner probably got 10 million to do the dirty work.

Brother Buzz

(39,647 posts)
3. I assumed this film would have gone directly to television
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:01 PM
Monday

You can’t polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter.

calimary

(89,197 posts)
44. Oooooooo! That's a GOOD one!
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:30 PM
Monday

I’ve got to remember that one!

“You can’t polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter.“
-Brother Buzz

OMG!!! An all time CLASSIC!!! Just might be The All Time BEST - um - “accolade” that he’s ever earned!

Belongs on his tombstone, or above the front entrance of whatever official display or museum or institution or medal is set up as some sort of “honor” to his “legacy”.

Avalon Sparks

(2,744 posts)
4. Doesn't help that
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:01 PM
Monday

A lot of his male cult members really hate women and believe women are less then.

Miles Archer

(21,970 posts)
8. I'm not sure what they think of her, but you're right
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:09 PM
Monday

I haven't been on Musk's Twitter since shutting down my account last year. Every time there was a whiff of controversy, the bots would spew out tweets that featured some kind of smiley face Mar-a-Lago party photo of her, calling her "OUR Jackie Kennedy," the most classy and glamourous first lady of all time, etc etc etc.

And, of course, she's none of that. She's a racist, foul mouthed, passive-aggressive, moody, slit eyed scowling creep.

3catwoman3

(28,709 posts)
38. That is an impressive array of adjectives that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:08 PM
Monday

I tip my hat to you -

Miles Archer

(21,970 posts)
59. I was an English major, got my B.A....it's a blessing and a curse sometimes.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 09:10 PM
Monday

Glad you enjoyed it!

3catwoman3

(28,709 posts)
61. I was the odd mix of liking science and language arts (formerly known as English)...
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 10:04 PM
Monday

...and am definitely a "word nerd." I often suspect I must have been an English teacher or editor or writer in a past life, as sloppy language use makes me crazy.

I spent almost 50 years in nursing. I was always fanatic about my charting/documentation, and was regularly praised by record review folks for my clarity and thoroughness.

I remember spending about an hour laboring over the very subtle differences among the verbs imbue, indue, and endow when trying to choose which one best described how an author had created one of his characters. I no longer remember which author or which book, but I remember the debate I had with myself.

mercuryblues

(16,188 posts)
58. Mara-Loco-two faced
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 08:18 PM
Monday

She had better hope she doesn't go to Hell. Her face will melt off and her implants will start boiling.

Avalon Sparks

(2,744 posts)
67. They are the biggest hypocrites
Wed Jan 21, 2026, 05:55 AM
13 hrs ago

If you can lie to yourself that insanely, you are definitely and easily lying to other people whenever it suits you.

I rarely ever lie, and if I do it’s only white lies. Like telling someone I love their outfit, or new hair style. Never, ever, ever to escape perceived negative consequences. Mainly because I learned early on being 100% truthful makes life and really any situation less stressful. Owning up to mistakes or occasional hurtful actions is respected by most people, and telling lies and trying to keep up with them is freaking stressful.

Anyway, it also has made it almost impossible for me to be a hypocrite about anything.

Dulcinea

(9,739 posts)
5. "$25 for a movie that feels like a long-form campaign ad"
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:02 PM
Monday

Did they really think anyone was going to pay $25 to see this drivel? Most people won't spend that for something good!

AverageOldGuy

(3,417 posts)
23. As we all know . . .
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:21 PM
Monday

. . . for the first few years she was in the US, about the only English she knew was two phrases:

"Leave the cash on the bedside table."

"Anal is $500 extra."

PatSeg

(52,325 posts)
9. Well, in all fairness
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:13 PM
Monday

His supporters have already shelled out big bucks for golden shoes, Trump phones, hats, trading cards/NFTs, political donations, etc. Maybe they've just ran out of disposable income?

Luz

(911 posts)
68. Its not Melania they're in love with. She just decorates
Wed Jan 21, 2026, 07:34 AM
11 hrs ago

his arm sometimes. But him? MAGAs would pay premium to watch him sleep in his chair.

PatSeg

(52,325 posts)
69. Which is so bizarre to me
Wed Jan 21, 2026, 09:35 AM
9 hrs ago

Way before he went into politics, all I saw was a slimy snake oil salesman. I've really tried to see what they do, but it is like they are as delusional as he is whenever he looks in a mirror.

Americanme

(398 posts)
10. I've seen a few movies where I hated all the characters,
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 02:18 PM
Monday

but I think this one would be the worst. They'd have to pay me a lot of money to waste my time watching this trash.

TNNurse

(7,506 posts)
17. Free popcorn, chocolate and margaritas with nachos would not work for me
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:13 PM
Monday

and many others.

Crowman2009

(3,427 posts)
14. I'd prefer to watch either "Manos: The Hands of Fate" or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" as opposed to high-fashion hamburglar
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:05 PM
Monday

fmdaddio

(235 posts)
37. The MST3K Version
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:07 PM
Monday

Manos is a classic favorite with MST3K fans. Appalling bad movie. Joel and the bots had a feild day with it. Maybe someday the first nudes movie can get the same treatment.

Crowman2009

(3,427 posts)
47. I have the restored version of Manos on Blu-ray.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:55 PM
Monday

Definitely nowhere near as blurry as the vhs transfer shown on mst3k. Plus there in the nightgown brawl scene, one of the wives is throwing dirt at the camera.

LR3

(137 posts)
15. Exactly
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:06 PM
Monday

Saying "Amazon bet $40 million on a theatrical event" is either journalistic malpractice and/or written by an idiot.

It was a payoff. Bezos is scum.

Roy Rolling

(7,452 posts)
16. My Prediction for the Future
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:11 PM
Monday

This turd of a movie will be a multiple award winner at the 2026 Razzie Awards honoring the worst movie-making effort by an individual, studio, or vial of injectable Botox.

Marie Marie

(10,962 posts)
28. And then Donnie will whine and stomp his feet and claim TDS is being unfair to his wife who
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:39 PM
Monday

deserves an Oscar for her performance and eventually, some one or group (are you listening FIFA?) will present her with some award of the highest honor ever bestowed on anybody. Or do you think that is too much effort for him to spend on his wife?

Initech

(107,673 posts)
22. Well, duh! Who would want to pay money to watch what's essentially state sponsored propaganda?
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:20 PM
Monday

BaronChocula

(4,080 posts)
24. Do people still go to the theater to watch porn???
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:21 PM
Monday

They could have just released it on OnlyFans.

Crowman2009

(3,427 posts)
51. Last person I recall doing that was the late great Fred Willard.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:59 PM
Monday

Some people still prefer to get their porn offline, or they just want feature length porn like the old days.

BaronChocula

(4,080 posts)
57. I forgot about Fred Willard
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 07:57 PM
Monday

The only reference that popped into mind was the late great Paul Rubens. More power to our comic icons.

bluedigger

(17,409 posts)
27. You need a few flops to shield the profits from the revenuers.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:37 PM
Monday

The house always wins, unless Trump owns it, of course.

Traildogbob

(12,628 posts)
31. I would live to see
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:50 PM
Monday

All the Late night TV host’s do a Mystery Science Theater evaluation sitting in front of a big screen, just blasting her dumb ass. That I would pay for with proceeds going to legal fees for people fucked by ICE to sue their fat asses. MAGA!

jmowreader

(52,935 posts)
50. Please, no
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:58 PM
Monday

Trump will invade Belgium as retaliation for that.

"But Belgium had nothin' to do with it!"
"Do you think Mr President cares about that?"

allegorical oracle

(6,247 posts)
32. What possibly could she say or do for a full hour and a half? The trailers seem to show
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:50 PM
Monday

her expressionless activities before and during the inauguration a year ago. Big whoop.

calimary

(89,197 posts)
46. It's probably because of all the plastic surgery she's had, through the years.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:49 PM
Monday

Last edited Mon Jan 19, 2026, 06:15 PM - Edit history (1)

You can slow down (or fool) Father Time, but not for too long.

Johonny

(25,602 posts)
34. Just a little 40 million dollar bribe
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 03:56 PM
Monday

The trailer makes it look like they spent 400 bucks max on the making of the movie

Maru Kitteh

(31,322 posts)
36. It was never more than an open bribe. Still, funny to
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:03 PM
Monday

see the first consort and Bezos choke on it.


Jimvanhise

(570 posts)
39. WHAT I ALWAYS FOUND HILARIOUS. . .
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:08 PM
Monday

If a Democratic party presidential first lady had frequently posed nude in the past, conservatives and Fox News would have gone insane about this being an insult to America. But about Melania they never said a word. She is there but was never popular. I'm unaware there was ever a groundswell of interest in there being a film about her.

melm00se

(5,146 posts)
43. The Box Office numbers will
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:25 PM
Monday

be inflated.

I remember when Pia Zadora had a sugar daddy, he bought out theaters and cinema houses to make it appear that she was some great talent.

allegorical oracle

(6,247 posts)
48. Good point. He'll pay people to make it a sell-out. Like he did at T Tower when they came
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:57 PM
Monday

down the escalator in 2015. That's why he figures Dem protesters are paid (by Soros, of course).

Crowman2009

(3,427 posts)
52. When in reality, she'll always be Girmar from Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 05:01 PM
Monday

Hooray for Santy Claus!

ShazzieB

(22,274 posts)
49. Hilarious!
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 04:58 PM
Monday

Bezos doesn't care about the money, of course. It's chump change to him. He also may not care about looking like a complete and utter ass clown when this movie is the colossal, epic failure that it's shaping up to be. But that's okay. We can all have fun laughing our asses off at him, Ratner, and Malaria herself regardless!

NeoTrajan

(43 posts)
55. Um ... what was that?
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 05:49 PM
Monday

Olamide Oloro says, "While the polls show Donald Trump has the voters"

WHICH polls are those?

The polls tell the opposite

These little tidbits slide past as if they are true ... Even here on this thread, nobody questioned it

No, Donald Trump does NOT 'have the voters'

Stop with the lies, Olomide ....

ALWAYS question and demand proof for these asides

Hassler

(4,785 posts)
56. News flash: the people interested in Melaria
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 07:10 PM
Monday

Would only watch it if she was nude for the entire movie.

Beaverhausen

(24,683 posts)
60. It's not opening until the 30th
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 09:24 PM
Monday

I’m sure it won’t make much money but I think magats will show up.

William Gustafson

(535 posts)
63. Breaking News!!!
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 10:58 PM
Monday

Washington DC... 10:45 pm

"President Donald Trump signed an executive order tonight, requiring every citizen in the United States to go watch the First Ladies documentary in theaters around the country."
"Any person not viewing the film, will be severely punished and sent to our reassignment camps scattered around the country."
"You will be expected to buy the First Ladies items as you enter... $100. low limit... ID's will be checked at the door, and anybody with skin lighter than white, will be deported."
"Anyone hooting or howling durn the nude scenes, will be removed and forced to work at Mor-a-logo in the sauna, giving massages to old rich guys"
"Thank you for your attention on this"

thought runs through my mind -- (Thank God this is distracting from the Trump/Epstein Files)

The Great Anointed One -

Ilsa

(63,920 posts)
64. If they wanted a hit, they would have featured the
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 11:24 PM
Monday

nude photos, and have her do a similar scene. (Lying around maralago naked which is something Don-old would be proud of.

Joinfortmill

(20,241 posts)
65. Good. It was a bribe, anyway. She thinks she's Jackie, God forbid.
Tue Jan 20, 2026, 08:34 AM
Yesterday

She's also jealous, hence the destruction of the Rose Garden. These two horrible people destroy everything they touch.

Miles Archer

(21,970 posts)
66. True, but we have to at least give her credit for her mission to end cyberbullying
Tue Jan 20, 2026, 08:43 AM
Yesterday

I can only IMAGINE the waves of suppressed SNICKERING that went around the room when she announced that "initiative."

Living under the same roof (occasionally) with the world's most high-profile cyberbullying.

And the vague, undefined, grammatically dubious branding of "Be Best."

She's basically sold her $150 Christmas ornaments on her Website while screeching about how much she hates Christmas, and children, and YOU. And ME. And EVERYONE.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»MOVIE FANS prove HOW MUCH...