‘Melania’ documentary posts roughly $8.1 million opening; Amazon paid $75 million

Box office analysts projected on Saturday that Amazon‑backed documentary “Melania” would earn roughly $8.1 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada in its opening weekend, a total that would be the best start for a documentary (excluding concert films) in 14 years. Amazon spent an estimated $75 million to buy distribution rights and market the film, having paid $40 million for the rights alone, and theater owners keep roughly 50 percent of ticket sales — meaning Amazon would end the weekend with about $4 million.

A few days earlier ticket sales had been pacing at about $5 million; overseas ticket sales were expected to be negligible and specific estimates were not yet available on Saturday. Research firm EntTelligence estimated that rural theaters would account for roughly 46 percent of the opening total and that Republican counties would contribute about 53 percent, with top states including Florida, Texas and Arizona.

Amazon said the audience was 72 percent female and over the age of 55. Audience reaction was broadly positive in exit polls — CinemaScore gave the film an A — and some attendees praised the film. Lynn Suter called it “Elegant, informative and beautifully done” and said she intended to “tell everyone to go see it.” But critics savaged the self‑portrait — which Mrs.

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