Amazon's Decision to Remove 'Melania' from Oregon Movie Theater: A Response to Marquee Jokes
The Lake Theater & Café in Lake Oswego, Oregon, has ceased screening the Amazon Studios documentary 'Melania' about Melania Trump. This decision came after Amazon pulled the film from its screens, citing the theater's promotional messages as the reason. The marquee messages, including "Does Melania wear Prada? Find out Friday!" and a quote from Sun Tzu, sparked a reaction from Amazon.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary focuses on the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's second inauguration. Amazon acquired the rights to produce and distribute the film for $40 million in 2025. The theater's manager, Jordan Perry, received a call from Amazon, requesting the removal of the film. Perry explained to The Oregonian that Amazon was dissatisfied with his marketing approach.
The marquee was changed 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 change also sparked curiosity among local patrons, who questioned the film's presence at the theater. In a blog post, Perry clarified that booking 'Melania' was a humorous choice during a slow movie week, not a political statement.
Amazon Studios declined to comment, leaving the theater's decision open to interpretation. This incident raises questions about the relationship between film studios and theaters, and the potential impact of promotional strategies on content distribution.
