In Martha, her new Netflix documentary, Martha Stewart is as candid as ever about the ups and downs of her career—and her reactions to the film itself reflect her famous attention to detail. Directed by R.J. Cutler, Martha spans the iconic media mogul’s journey from her rise as America’s homemaking guru to her high-profile legal troubles and beyond. But Stewart, known for her exacting standards, has voiced her discontent with certain creative decisions and the documentary’s final tone.
Displeasure with the “Lonely” Portrayal
One of Stewart’s main critiques centers on the documentary’s closing scenes, which show her walking alone in a garden, appearing hunched over. Stewart expressed disappointment with these images, which she had specifically requested be removed, explaining, “I told him to get rid of those. And he refused.” Stewart felt these scenes conveyed a vulnerability that doesn’t align with her resilient public image. The scenes, left in the final cut despite her wishes, have led her to view parts of the film as misrepresenting her true self.
Criticism of the Documentary’s Focus on Legal Troubles
While Stewart was pleased with the first half, which highlights her achievements, she took issue with the heavy emphasis in the second half on her legal troubles from 2004. Her conviction, which included five months in prison, stemmed from charges of obstruction of justice related to insider trading accusations. She argued that the documentary places too much weight on an episode she views as brief and unimportant within the larger scope of her career, describing it as “a vacation.” Stewart admitted that while the trial was publicly significant, she prefers that her legacy be defined by her broader career and influence rather than a single legal misstep.
Missing Pieces: Family and Personal Archives
Stewart was also disappointed by omissions that made the documentary feel incomplete. She noted that Cutler used only a limited amount of material from her personal archives, which she feels would have offered a more thorough view of her life. In addition, her grandchildren, who play a vital role in her life, were not mentioned, which Stewart described as “shocking.” These omissions, she suggests, leave out essential aspects of her life that go beyond her business persona.
Soundtrack Snub: Stewart’s Rap Music Request Denied
Known for her friendship with Snoop Dogg and her appreciation for hip-hop culture, Stewart requested that the documentary include rap music, possibly with a score by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, or Fredwreck. However, the final version features a classical soundtrack that she feels doesn’t reflect her personality or preferences. “I want that music,” she said, expressing regret that her suggestion wasn’t honored and adding that it could have modernized her image, presenting her to audiences in a way that aligns with her current identity.
Despite her criticisms, Stewart hopes that Martha will inspire women and that the documentary’s depiction of her resilience and strength will resonate, particularly with younger audiences. She mentioned that several young women have already shared with her how the documentary encouraged them to find inner strength and independence. Stewart sees this feedback as a positive takeaway from the documentary, commenting, “It really shows a strong woman standing up for herself and living through horror as well as some huge success.”
Director R.J. Cutler’s Perspective
While Cutler has not responded directly to Stewart’s critiques, he shared his respect for her willingness to open up her life for the documentary, acknowledging that some parts of the story may have been difficult for Stewart to see portrayed. Known for his work on complex figures, Cutler framed the film not as a biography but as an exploration of Stewart’s multifaceted character. He aimed to capture the resilience and complexity behind her public image, presenting her as a “complicated and visionary” figure.
The Larger Narrative: Beyond Biography
Martha takes viewers beyond the surface of Stewart’s carefully curated brand, into the challenges, controversies, and milestones that have defined her long career. Cutler’s documentary allows audiences to witness Stewart’s triumphs and trials, balancing her rise in the lifestyle industry with the personal and public scrutiny she faced along the way. Stewart’s hopes for the documentary to inspire and Cutler’s vision to portray her in a multidimensional light promise viewers a rich, layered look at one of America’s most iconic entrepreneurs.
