The Surprising Success of 'Melania' in Minneapolis
In a city that you might not expect, 'Melania,' the highly anticipated documentary directed by Brett Ratner, is making waves. Despite its controversial subject matter, the film is gaining traction in an unexpected location, and we're here to delve into the numbers and uncover the story behind this unexpected success.
'Melania' opened to a better-than-expected reception, raking in $7.2 million across nearly 1800 theaters, an impressive feat for a non-concert documentary. This performance has led to an expansion, with the film now screening in over 2000 theaters, including many blue cities. And here's where it gets interesting: Minneapolis, a city with a recent tragic history involving ICE agents, is one of the locations where the film is finding an audience.
Marc Beckman, Melania Trump's advisor and the mastermind behind the film's licensing deal with Amazon, sheds some light on the film's appeal. He emphasizes that while the film may not cater to everyone, it resonates strongly with Trump supporters. However, the real surprise is its reception in blue cities, a fact that Beckman finds satisfying amidst the political divide.
But how well is it truly performing? A closer look at theater maps in Minneapolis reveals a mixed picture. While some theaters, like AMC Southdale 16, are selling tickets for their screenings, others, like AMC Inver Grove 16 and Coon Rapids 16, have sold very few or no tickets. The curious case of the contiguous seats at AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 also raises questions about the dynamics of movie-going in Minneapolis.
And this is the part most people miss: the film's eventual release on Amazon Prime, alongside a doc series made from bonus footage, will likely expand its reach even further. However, viewers may have to wait a while, as Beckman predicts a summer release for the streaming version.
So, what do you think? Is the success of 'Melania' in Minneapolis a sign of changing times, or just a blip on the radar? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
