Despite starring in the Netflix documentary “Martha,” Martha Stewart is unhappy with the results of how it painted her in a different light. The famous businesswoman, TV personality, and self-made billionaire has taken issue with the new documentary about her life and work. Here’s everything Martha Stewart hated about Martha.
Martha, The Documentary
Martha is a definitive documentary on Martha Stewart, one of the greatest American icons. The documentary covers her life as a teenage model, and Wall Street stockbroker, and her eventual rise as the face of entertainment and good taste. Directed by R.J. Cutler, Martha draws hundreds of hours of intimate interviews with Martha Stewart and her inner circle and features private archives of her diaries and letters. From a working-class family upbringing to a scandal that sent her to prison, her post-prison reinvention remains a captivating journey for new generations.
Director Cutler adds that people don’t understand how visionary Martha was. He states how much she broke barriers and influenced fashion, taste, and style. She saw the future before others could and had overcome obstacles by men who refused to see her vision. She is an iconic legend and an extraordinary woman who gained success.
Martha Stewart’s Criticism
Granted, Martha didn’t present Martha Stewart in the best light and is highly disappointed. Now 83, the high-profile personality criticized Cutler’s production, focus, and editing. Stewart is shocked by how much the director cut from their interviews. In The New York Times, she called the documentary “lousy” and unflattering cinematography. Stewart was particularly mad that there was no rap music in the film. She would have appreciated it if she brought in Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg during production. Instead, Cutler used a cheap classical score that had nothing in connection with her.
Cutler also refused to take instructions on camera angles, saying he chose the ugliest angle between three cameras. Stewart became frustrated when Cutler focused on her 2004 trial where she was convicted of criminal charges. The documentary also highlighted her only marriage with her ex-husband, Andrew. It ended when he had an affair with his younger secretary.
On The Positive End
Although she wasn’t fully happy about the documentary, Martha Stewart enjoyed its first half. She liked how the documentary shared some unknown and not-so-popular parts of her, a rare glimpse into her private life. She also received positive feedback from young female viewers. In the end, Martha showed a strong woman standing up for herself, which became a source of strength for many of its young female viewers. That is what she wanted the documentary to be: to be a source of strength and to show everyone a strong woman standing up for herself, living through horror and success.
Its theme should’ve been about showing the audience can get through life and still be themselves. She also hated the film’s closing segment, the last scene in which she looked like a lonely old lady hunched in her garden. Despite asking Cutler to delete those scenes, he used them as an ending. It reminded her of a painful accident instead of something to reminisce about.
J.D. Cutler’s Response
Cutler is famous for working on biographical studies of celebrities and high-profile icons such as Billie Eilish and Elton John. His first film credit, The War Room, covered Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, which garnered him an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary. Despite Stewart’s criticism, Cutler admired her courage in entrusting him to make the documentary. He added that he was not surprised it was hard for her to see aspects of it.
Final Thoughts
Martha covered the good and the bad of Martha Stewart’s decades-long career. She built an empire from scratch at a time when people were uneasy with the idea of a billion-dollar company being run by a woman. She had vision and guts and was unapologetic about it, which many young women and viewers can strive for in these times. The tumult and success of her business and personal life only fueled her desire to build her life. A hardcore lesson to live unapologetically, genuinely, and passionately.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big.
Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
