Artistic Integrity Under Siege: The Battle for 'Phantom Thread's' Score in the 'Melania' Documentary

The Unauthorized Use of 'Phantom Thread's' Score in the 'Melania' Documentary

Jonny Greenwood, the celebrated musician of Radiohead, and acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson have voiced strong objections to the inclusion of music from their joint project, "Phantom Thread," in the "Melania" documentary. Their primary concern stems from the fact that Universal Pictures, the distributor, reportedly licensed a segment of Greenwood's score without securing his explicit approval, a move that directly contravenes his existing composer agreement. This incident has ignited a debate over artists' rights and the protocols governing intellectual property in the entertainment sector.

The Specifics of the Musical Copyright Infringement

The particular composition at the heart of this controversy is "Barbara Rose," a piece specifically crafted by Greenwood for Anderson's 2017 period drama, "Phantom Thread." Its unauthorized appearance in the "Melania" documentary, produced by Brett Ratner and distributed internationally by Universal Pictures, prompted the swift and unified demand from Greenwood and Anderson for its immediate removal. This situation underscores the critical need for all parties involved in film production and distribution to meticulously adhere to contractual obligations and respect the creative rights of artists.

The Commercial Performance and Musical Landscape of the 'Melania' Documentary

The "Melania" documentary, which chronicles the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration, experienced a challenging run at the box office, concluding its second weekend with a cumulative earning of $13.4 million, significantly less than the $75 million invested in its production and marketing. Despite its financial struggles, the film boasts a diverse soundtrack, featuring well-known tracks such as The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter," Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," and other notable pieces like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Ravel's "Bolero," and "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." This eclectic mix, however, now includes a contested element with the "Phantom Thread" score.

Universal Pictures' Response to the Removal Request

In the wake of the formal request for the music's removal, The Hollywood Reporter has initiated contact with Universal Pictures to ascertain their official stance and response to the demands made by Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson. The outcome of these discussions is eagerly anticipated, as it will likely set a precedent for how similar intellectual property disputes are handled in future film and documentary productions, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and consent in creative collaborations.