Martha Stewart has offered a candid critique of her new Netflix documentary, “Martha,” which premiered on October 30. In an interview with The New York Times, the 83-year-old lifestyle mogul expressed disappointment with several aspects of the film, directed by R.J. Cutler.
Stewart’s primary complaint was that Cutler “used very little” material from her extensive archive, despite having “total access.” She described this decision as “shocking,” indicating her expectation that more of her historical content would feature in the narrative.
The documentary also drew Stewart’s ire for its portrayal of her, particularly in scenes filmed at her Bedford, New York estate toward the film’s conclusion. “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,” Stewart said, emphasizing her discontent. “And he refused. I hate those last scenes.”
Stewart clarified that she was “limping a little” due to a ruptured Achilles tendon at the time of filming. She expressed a desire for the documentary to reflect her resilience, stating, “I can live through that and still work seven days a week.”
Additional criticisms from Stewart included the documentary’s “lousy” classical score. She had requested rap music instead, further indicating her vision for the film’s tone. “He had three cameras on me,” she explained, “and he chooses to use the ugliest angle. And I told him, ‘Don’t use that angle! That’s not the nicest angle. You had three cameras. Use the other angle.’ He would not change that.”
Stewart also felt that Cutler spent too much time focusing on her “extremely boring” 2004 trial and subsequent prison sentence. She reflected on her legal troubles, saying, “It was not that important. The trial and the actual incarceration were less than two years out of an 83-year life. I considered it a vacation, to tell you the truth.”
In response to Stewart’s critiques, Cutler defended the film, stating, “I am really proud of this film, and I admire Martha’s courage in entrusting me to make it.” He acknowledged that it could be difficult for Stewart to watch certain aspects of the film, adding, “It’s a movie, not a Wikipedia page. It’s the story of an incredibly interesting human being who is complicated and visionary and brilliant.”
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In addition to her specific grievances, Stewart expressed a desire for the film to include more of her personal interests, such as her passion for travel. “My trip up Kilimanjaro wasn’t mentioned!” she lamented. She also wished that the documentary had more fully captured the achievements of her magazine, Martha Stewart Living, which was published from 1990 to 2022.
At the New York premiere of “Martha” on October 21, Stewart articulated her feelings more broadly. She remarked that the film lacked coverage of “all the creativity in the publishing world and the media world,” further hinting at what she considered significant omissions.
Cutler, speaking to PEOPLE at the premiere, offered a different perspective on the film’s narrative. “It’s a remarkable story about a remarkable woman who has defined the world in which we live,” he said, describing the film as a journey filled with “ups and downs and twists and turns.” He added, “This is a movie about American womanhood, and it’s a movie about one of the most extraordinary American women who ever lived.”
Despite the differences in viewpoint between Stewart and Cutler, the film aims to present a multifaceted portrait of the culinary icon, balancing her triumphs and tribulations throughout her extensive career. As Stewart continues to navigate the public eye, her feedback may serve as a valuable lesson for filmmakers seeking to capture the essence of influential figures.
