Melania Trump, you can’t just do things you usually do due to Secret Service involvement.”
A travel coordinator had to be brought in to handle logistics issues like ensuring crew members could return home after filming on the Trump Organization’s Boeing 757. Two-thirds of the New York-based crew requested not to have their names formally credited on the film, reflecting their discomfort with the project.
Director Brett Ratner and Ethical Concerns
The documentary’s director, Brett Ratner, is no stranger to controversy. Known for directing “Rush Hour” movies and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” Ratner has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by six women since 2017. A photograph of a shirtless Ratner with model scout Jean-Luc Brunel in Epstein files further clouds his reputation.
One crew member said, ” left a trail of detritus—discarded orange peels, gum wrappers—wherever he went on set.” Another recalled a day when the crew was not allowed to break for meals, and Ratner was observed eating outside the filming space. “It’s not just a documentary, it’s a film—he’s a filmmaker that can go long shots, big shots,” defended one individual involved in the production.
Despite the ethical concerns surrounding Ratner, his contributions are praised as intuitive and emotional by some crew members. However, several others felt uncomfortable working with him due to these allegations and the recent unclassified Epstein files showing Ratner’s connection with Epstein associates.
Promotion and Future Prospects
Amazon has invested heavily in promoting “Melania: Twenty Days to History.” The streamer is spending an additional $35 million, according to Puck News, on TV spots airing during NFL broadcasts and a takeover of the Las Vegas Sphere. Forecasts for how the film will perform vary widely; BoxOffice.com predicts it could take in as little as $1 million its opening weekend, while National Research Group’s estimate is around $5 million.
Whether or not Amazon’s investment pays off remains to be seen, but one crew member expressed relief at the prospect of the documentary failing. “Unfortunately, if it does flop,” they said, “I would really feel great about it.” The film’s premiere is set for Thursday at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., marking a significant event that promises to draw considerable attention and controversy.