Martha Stewart, the renowned businesswoman and TV personality, has expressed her disappointment and frustration with the newly released Netflix documentary about her life and work, “Martha.” Despite cooperating with the film’s director, RJ Cutler, and contributing extensive interviews, Stewart feels that the final product misrepresents her and fails to capture the essence of her story.
‘You had three cameras. Use the other angle’ … Martha Stewart. Photograph: WWD/Getty Images
In an interview with The New York Times, Stewart criticized the documentary’s production, focus, and editing. She granted Cutler “total access” to her archive, but claims that he “really used very little. It was just shocking.” Stewart took particular issue with the film’s closing segment, which she had asked Cutler to change.
“Those last scenes with me looking like a lonely old lady walking hunched over in the garden?” she said. “Boy, I told him to get rid of those. And he refused.” Stewart explained that she had ruptured her Achilles tendon and was limping due to the injury, but Cutler failed to provide context.
Stewart also criticized the documentary’s score and cinematography. She suggested using rap music, such as Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg, but Cutler opted for a classical score instead. Additionally, Stewart felt that Cutler chose unflattering camera angles, despite having three cameras available.
The documentary’s focus on Stewart’s 2004 trial and conviction on felony charges related to stock trading also drew criticism. Stewart believes that this aspect of her life was overemphasized, stating, “It was not that important. 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.” Martha Stewart in a scene from R.J. Cutler’s documentary. She has issues with it.Credit…Netflix
However, Stewart praised the documentary’s first half, saying it “gets into things that many people don’t know anything about.” She also appreciated the positive feedback from young female viewers, who found inspiration in her story.
“So many girls have already told me that watching it gave them a strength that they didn’t know they had,” Stewart said. “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.”
Cutler responded to Stewart’s criticisms, stating, “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.”
This is not the first time a high-profile figure has spoken out against a documentary about their life. In 2021, Alanis Morissette disowned the documentary “Jagged,” citing a “salacious agenda” and betrayal of trust.
Key Points:
Martha Stewart criticizes the Netflix documentary “Martha” for its production, focus, and editing.
Stewart granted director RJ Cutler “total access” to her archive but feels he misused the material.
She took issue with the documentary’s closing segment, score, and cinematography.
Stewart believes the documentary overemphasizes her 2004 trial and conviction.
She praises the documentary’s first half and the positive feedback from young female viewers.
FAQs:
1: What is Martha Stewart’s main criticism of the Netflix documentary?
A: Martha Stewart criticizes the documentary’s production, focus, and editing, particularly the closing segment.
2: What specifically did Martha Stewart dislike about the closing segment?
A: Stewart disliked the scenes showing her walking hunched over in the garden, which she felt made her look like a “lonely old lady.”
3: Why did Martha Stewart object to those scenes?
A: Stewart had ruptured her Achilles tendon and was limping due to the injury, but the documentary failed to provide context.
4: Did Martha Stewart cooperate with the documentary’s director, RJ Cutler?
A: Yes, Stewart granted Cutler “total access” to her archive and contributed extensive interviews.
5: What did Martha Stewart think of the documentary’s focus on her 2004 trial?
A: Stewart believed the trial was overemphasized, stating it was “less than two years out of an 83-year life.”
6: Did Martha Stewart find any redeeming value in the documentary?
A: Yes, Stewart praised the documentary’s first half and the positive feedback from young female viewers who found inspiration in her story.
7: Who directed the Netflix documentary “Martha”?
A: RJ Cutler directed the documentary.
8: What is RJ Cutler’s response to Martha Stewart’s criticism?
A: Cutler stated he’s proud of the film and admires Stewart’s courage in entrusting him to make it.
9: Is Martha Stewart’s criticism of the documentary unique?
A: No, Alanis Morissette also criticized her documentary “Jagged” in 2021, citing a “salacious agenda” and betrayal of trust.
