First Ladies on Screen: A Tale of Two Documentaries
Michelle Obama's documentary "Becoming" on Netflix saw a significant increase in viewership during the same weekend that Melania Trump's documentary was released in theaters. "Becoming" garnered 47.5 million minutes of viewership on Netflix between January 30 and February 1, marking a substantial boost compared to the previous weekend. Melania's documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, followed the first lady in the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration. The film had a successful global debut on January 30, earning $7 million at the domestic box office, surpassing initial estimates.
Melania's documentary had the biggest opening for a non-fiction film in the last decade, with 70 percent of ticket buyers being women and 72 percent over 55 years old. The first viewing of the documentary took place at the White House on January 24, with the official premiere at the Kennedy Center on January 29. Melania expressed her gratitude for the support she received during the premiere event, surrounded by friends, family, and cultural icons.
Amazon MGM Studios acquired Melania for $40 million, with a significant portion potentially going directly to Melania. The studio also invested $35 million in marketing efforts, including the Las Vegas Sphere. Michelle Obama's documentary, inspired by her bestselling memoir of the same name, delves into her life after Barack Obama's presidency. The documentary's title reflects her journey and experiences following her husband's time in office.
In conclusion, Michelle Obama's documentary "Becoming" and Melania Trump's self-titled documentary both attracted significant attention and viewership during their respective releases. The contrasting narratives and styles of the documentaries offered audiences a glimpse into the lives of two prominent figures in American politics.