Martha Stewart, an American businesswoman and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is not one to hold back her opinions. Known for her knowledge of lifestyle, cooking, and entertainment, Stewart built her empire through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She is most certainly an icon of this century.
On October 30th, Netflix released a documentary about Martha Stewart, called Martha but she has since criticized its lack of depth, questionable music choices, and editing decisions. The documentary was directed and produced by R.J. Cutler, with additional production credits going to Jane Cha Cutler, Alina Cho, Trevor Smith, and Austin Wilkin.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Stewart expressed her dissatisfaction with the film’s depiction of her life, particularly the ending. She felt painted her as “a lonely old lady.” Stewart’s criticism extended to the score, which featured classical music instead of the rap and hip-hop she associates with her vibrant persona and friendship with one and only Snoop Dogg.
While Stewart appreciated the documentary’s first half, which recorded her rise as a retail businesswoman, she found the latter half—which touched on her prison sentence and career resurgence—quite underwhelming. Stewart said of her incarceration. “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.”
Stewart noted that important moments, like the judge falling asleep during her trial, were taken out, even though she documented them.. She also expressed disappointment over the lack of emphasis on her personal archives and family, including her grandchildren.
Despite her criticisms, Stewart acknowledged the film’s positive impact on viewers. “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.
R. J. Cutler has defended his creative choices, stating that Martha was meant to be a cinematic portrayal, not a comprehensive biography. According to Cutler, Stewart’s struggle with control is a central theme of the film.
While Stewart may have taken issue with aspects of Martha, the documentary reinforces her influence as a visionary who has lived through challenges and emerged stronger. And if there’s one takeaway from Stewart’s critiques, it’s that she knows exactly how she wants her story told.
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