Martha Stewart's Netflix documentary, directed by R.J. Cutler, has stirred controversy as Stewart voices dissatisfaction with certain scenes and content choices. Despite her criticisms, Stewart acknowledges the film's potential to inspire women. Here we look at the details of her grievances and the documentary's impact.
- Martha Stewart's documentary is making the rounds
- She is not too happy with some of the material
- Martha has spoken plainly about her reviews
Martha Stewart's Documentary Discontent
Martha Stewart, the renowned media mogul, recently opened up about her mixed feelings regarding her Netflix documentary, 'Martha,' directed by R.J. Cutler. While the documentary offers an intimate glimpse into her life, Stewart has expressed dissatisfaction with specific scenes and editorial decisions.
Her primary grievances revolve around the portrayal of certain aspects of her life and the omission of significant elements she holds dear. In a candid interview with the 'New York Times', Stewart revealed her discontent with the documentary's concluding scenes.
“Those last scenes with me looking like a lonely old lady walking hunched over in the garden? Boy, I told him to get rid of those,” she stated. “And he refused. I hate those last scenes. Hate them.” Despite her displeasure with the latter part of the documentary, Stewart admitted her fondness for its first half, which she found more reflective of her true self.
Stewart's critique extends beyond the visual portrayal. She voiced her disapproval of the documentary's focus on her insider trading allegations and subsequent trial, which resulted in her incarceration.
“It was not that important,” Stewart asserted. “The trial and the actual incarceration was less than two years out of an 83-year life. I considered it a vacation, to tell you the truth… the trial itself was extremely boring. Even the judge fell asleep. R.J. didn’t even put that in. The judge was asleep at the bench. I wrote it in my diary every day.”
Criticism of Content Choices
Another point of contention for Stewart was the limited use of her personal archive material. She found it “shocking” that her grandchildren were not mentioned, emphasizing the importance of family in her life. Additionally, Stewart had envisioned a soundtrack featuring rap music, with artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, or Fredwreck.
However, the documentary opted for a classical score, which she felt did not align with her personality. “I said to R.J., ‘An essential part of the film is that you play rap music.’ Dr. Dre will probably score it, or [Snoop Dogg] or Fredwreck. I said, ‘I want that music.’ And then he gets some lousy classical score in there, which has nothing to do with me,” she lamented.
Despite her criticisms, Stewart acknowledges the positive impact the documentary has had on its viewers. Her story of resilience and success has resonated with many women, providing them with strength and inspiration.
“So many girls have already told me — young women — that watching it gave them a strength that they didn’t know they had,” she shared. “And that’s the thing I like most about the documentary. It really shows a strong woman standing up for herself and living through horror as well as some huge success.”
R.J. Cutler, the director of the documentary, has a history of creating films about complex personalities, including Billie Eilish, Dick Cheney, and Elton John. While Cutler did not directly address Stewart's specific grievances, he expressed pride in the film and admiration for Stewart's courage.
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Martha's wrath
“I am really proud of this film, and I admire Martha’s courage in entrusting me to make it. I’m not surprised that it’s hard for her to see aspects of it,” he stated. Cutler emphasized that "Martha" is a movie, not a mere factual account, describing it as “the story of an incredibly interesting human being who is complicated and visionary and brilliant.”
