In an unexpected turn of events, the Lake Theater & Café, located in the Portland suburb of Lake Oswego, Oregon, has decided to stop screening the documentary 'Melania,' which centers around first lady Melania Trump. This decision came after Amazon Studios, the film's distributor, requested that the movie be removed from the theater's lineup.
The reason behind this withdrawal stems from the humorous promotional messages displayed on the theater’s marquee. Phrases such as "Does Melania wear Prada? Find out Friday!" and a playful twist on Sun Tzu’s quote — "To defeat your enemy, you must know them. Melania" — caught the attention of Amazon, leading to their dissatisfaction with how the film was marketed.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary 'Melania' offers a glimpse into the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. In 2025, Amazon acquired the rights for $40 million to produce and distribute this film, making it a significant investment.
According to theater manager Jordan Perry, Amazon reached out with a clear message: they were unhappy with the way the film was being promoted. Perry shared with The Oregonian that he felt the studio did not appreciate his unique approach to marketing the film to their audience. A source close to the production confirmed that the title was indeed pulled from the theater’s schedule.
In a display of transparency and humor, the marquee was subsequently updated to read: "Amazon called. Our marquee made them mad. All 'Melania' showings cancelled. Show your support at Whole Foods instead. Join Amazon Prime for Free Two-Day Shipping." This cheeky update illustrates the theater's quirky character while addressing the controversy head-on.
Perry further revealed that he had received numerous emails and messages from local residents who questioned the decision to show 'Melania' in the first place. In a blog post, he clarified that booking the film was meant to be a lighthearted choice during a slow week for movies, rather than a political statement. He provocatively asked, "Wouldn’t it be exponentially weirder, to the point of being funny, to show 'Melania' here, at your obviously anti-establishment, occasionally troublemaking, neighborhood cinema?" This comment hints at the theater's rebellious spirit and its intention to spark conversation through unconventional programming.
Interestingly, Amazon Studios chose not to comment on this situation, leaving many curious about their perspective. What do you think about the intersection of humor and politics in film promotion? Do you believe that theaters should have the freedom to market films in their own unique ways, even if it ruffles some feathers? Share your thoughts below!
