Director Paul Thomas Anderson and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood are calling for the removal of a score from their film “Phantom Thread” from the documentary “Melania,” citing it as a breach of the composer agreement. This demand underscores the importance of honoring artistic rights and agreements, as they seek to ensure that Jonny Greenwood’s music is not used without his consent. The main keyword at play here highlights the intersection of filmmaking and music rights, a pertinent issue given the circumstances of this controversial documentary.
Unauthorized Use Sparks Concern
According to a statement obtained by Variety, Anderson and Greenwood expressed their concerns about the unauthorized use of “Phantom Thread” music in the “Melania” documentary. Despite Greenwood not owning the copyright to the score, the filmmakers assert that Universal failed to consult him, violating his composer agreement. Consequently, both Anderson and Greenwood have asked for the music’s removal from the documentary.
A Costly Endeavor
The Brett Ratner-directed “Melania” documentary, although controversial and largely unrevealing about the First Lady, has managed to gross $13.35 million domestically in just two weekends. This achievement is notable for a documentary that doesn’t focus on nature or music. However, the film’s financial backdrop is staggering, with Amazon MGM pouring an unprecedented $40 million into acquiring the documentary and an additional $35 million on marketing, questioning the documentary’s economic viability.
Speculation and Industry Reactions
Amazon MGM’s significant financial commitment to “Melania” has fueled industry speculation about the studio’s intentions. Some suggest it might be an attempt to curry favor with the current administration. Despite the financial gamble, theater owners typically retain half of the ticket sales, making it challenging for Amazon MGM to justify the cost. In a rare move, the studio released a statement addressing the second-weekend earnings, emphasizing their commitment to the project despite the financial risks.
Greenwood’s Prolific Career
Beyond his role as a Radiohead musician, Jonny Greenwood has established himself as a prolific film composer, contributing to scores for numerous films, including “There Will Be Blood” and “Inherent Vice.” His haunting work in “Phantom Thread” earned significant praise, with Variety’s Owen Gleiberman noting its ominous and nostalgic pull reminiscent of 1950s Hitchcock. This situation with the “Melania” documentary highlights the ongoing relevance of securing and respecting artistic contributions in the film industry.
The attention to Greenwood’s work and the swift action by Anderson underscores the significant roles both music and film agreements play in maintaining creative integrity in the industry.
