In a perfect world, we would be open to experiencing other lifestyles, even other cultures. Curiosity would be the driver. Understanding would be the balm.
On a clear, cold afternoon, on opening day, we settled into the big screen premiere of Melania. I expected to be entertained. I didn’t expect to be moved.
My eyes welled with tears — about ten minutes in — and I struggled to choke back tears for the duration.
Let me preface by admitting I’ve seen enough bright green hair, face tattoos and nose piercings to last me the rest of my life. I make NO apologies for enjoying visual beauty, be it furnishings, natural landscape or the sky.
Further, every news story reporting on Trump’s garish taste manages to highlight his gold toilets. I was braced for the comedy. The garish gold reminded me of golden idols in the Old Testament. I was amused at the notion.
The movie started with the camera panning the Mar-a-Lago portico where a security detail assisted Melania, then the camera followed her inside and through the vestibule where the color scheme was indeed gold. I just was not prepared for how understated and welcoming their home really was. Gold, black and copper could not have been more tasteful and stunning.
But all of that is superficial. The real heart of the experience began in a scene with Melania preparing the décor for an upcoming candlelight dinner as part of the inaugural festivities. Even the creation of her inaugural dress was featured with intimate detail. Does this make her an elitist? No. It reminded me of meticulously setting my own table for visiting company this year. They would not have cared if dinner were served on melamine. But the colors, textures and alignment — the elements which create beauty— are an outlet for my own creativity. And so, it appeared to be with Melania.
Here’s where the tears continued. I was heartsick over those who’ve spent their time maligning her and her husband, especially remembering the media’s disparaging comment about his gold toilet. In truth, there was so much gentle and loving energy around these scenes, yet many in this nation will never take the opportunity to know of it.
If they disparage her, do friends hold a latent resentment of me because I have the same Eastern European roots, the same obsession with an exquisitely placed table, a penchant for wearing more than pajama pants to the theater? Perhaps. Years ago, I had a coworker make fun of me because I didn’t own a pair of denim jeans…. only pinwale corduroys.
Recently, at a small dinner party, we were discussing current movies. A few times I wanted to mention Melania — the movie was so impactful, perhaps others would enjoy it as well. But I could not bring myself to share. What would be the point?
The movie went on to take us through pre-inauguration preparations. Melania chose to include aspects of White House protocol, reverence for history and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In keeping with her first lady duties, the movie featured a short segment of her influential work helping the family of a man imprisoned after October 7th. And in personal homage, memories of her deceased mother were gently woven into the narrative. It gave us more of a glimpse of her humanity. We all have a mother we eventually mourn.
My tears were a mix of awe at femininity and beauty, relief that such devotion to them still exists, and a quiet sadness that, increasingly, society does not feel the same need for such beauty.
On a personal note, I felt profoundly sad.
Somewhere along the way, the simple appreciation of beauty came to be seen as elitism, rather than the natural human instinct it is — a quiet devotion to artistry and personal care.
For all those reasons, the movie was epic.
