Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood have issued a sharp demand to remove their music from a new documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump.
The acclaimed duo is challenging the use of the score from their film Phantom Thread in the controversial project. They claim the studio failed to consult them before licensing the track for the Brett Ratner directed film. This public objection marks the latest clash between Hollywood artists and political figures using their work without direct permission.
A breach of artistic trust
Paul Thomas Anderson and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood are known for their meticulous control over their work. They recently released a joint statement addressing the issue. The statement targets the new documentary titled Melania. This film focuses on the life and fashion of Melania Trump.
The duo claims that Universal Pictures licensed the music without asking them first. This action reportedly violates Greenwood’s composer agreement.
Their official statement was direct and firm.
“It has come to our attention that a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the Melania documentary,” the statement read. “While Jonny Greenwood does not own the copyright in the score, Universal failed to consult Jonny on this third-party use, which is a breach of his composer agreement.”
The statement concluded with a clear demand.
“As a result, Jonny and Paul Thomas Anderson have asked for it to be removed from the documentary.”
This incident highlights a common issue in the music industry. Studios often own the master recordings of film scores. However, top tier composers like Greenwood often negotiate “consultation rights.” This means they must be asked before their music is used in other media. This is especially true for projects that might be seen as political or controversial.
The score for Phantom Thread is widely considered a masterpiece. It represents elegance, obsession and high fashion. Its inclusion in the Melania documentary likely aimed to evoke those same feelings.
paul thomas anderson jonny greenwood phantom thread score controversy
The high price of political favor
The controversy surrounding the music is only one part of the story. The Melania documentary has already made headlines for its massive financial footprint.
Amazon reportedly spent a fortune to acquire and market the film. Industry analysts suggest the price tag makes it nearly impossible to turn a profit from ticket sales alone.
The Cost of the Melania Documentary:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Rights | $40 Million |
| Marketing Campaign | $35 Million |
| Total Investment | $75 Million |
Critics argue that this investment is not about box office returns. Instead, it appears to be a strategic move by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Spending $75 million on a project flattering to the Trump family could be seen as an olive branch. Large tech companies are currently facing scrutiny and potential regulation.
Buying a documentary directed by a Trump ally might help smooth over relationships with the White House. It suggests a new era where media acquisitions serve as political lobbying tools.
This strategy puts artistic works in the middle of corporate power plays. Anderson and Greenwood are essentially caught in the crossfire of a much larger deal.
Brett Ratner returns to the spotlight
The choice of director for the Melania documentary is perhaps the most shocking detail. Brett Ratner directed the film.
Ratner has been largely absent from Hollywood for years. He faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment from multiple women during the #MeToo movement. His reputation in the film industry collapsed as a result.
This documentary appears to be his attempt at a comeback.
The project aligns him closely with the Trump family. This alliance seems to have opened doors that were previously shut. Reports indicate that President Trump has exerted pressure on other Hollywood studios to support Ratner.
Sources say Trump pressed Paramount Skydance to back Rush Hour 4. This sequel would reunite Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.
Key details on the studio pressure:
- David Ellison owns Paramount Skydance.
- Ellison is a known donor to Trump.
- Warner Bros. owns the IP but is taking a “backseat” role.
- The deal relies heavily on political influence rather than studio demand.
Ratner directing a documentary about Melania Trump serves two purposes. It helps clean up the image of the Trump family amid corruption allegations. Simultaneously, it provides Ratner a path back into the industry through political channels rather than traditional Hollywood support.
Artists fighting for control
The demand from Anderson and Greenwood follows a long tradition of musicians protecting their brand.
Artists often speak out when politicians use their songs at rallies or in ads. Neil Young, The Rolling Stones and Adele have all issued similar cease and desist orders in the past.
However, film scores are different. They are usually background elements owned by corporations. This makes the objection from Anderson and Greenwood unique.
They are not just claiming copyright infringement. They are citing a breach of contract regarding consultation. This gives them a specific legal lever to pull.
It implies that Universal Pictures valued the licensing fee over their relationship with the talent.
Paul Thomas Anderson is currently riding a wave of success. He recently won the DGA award for directing One Battle After Another. He is a frontrunner for the upcoming Academy Awards.
His public condemnation of the Melania documentary carries significant weight. It puts Universal Pictures in a difficult position. They must choose between a licensing deal with a politically connected documentary or maintaining good relations with one of their most prestigious directors.
Why this matters to the industry:
- Creative Rights: It tests how much power composers have over their work after it is released.
- Reputation: Association with controversial figures can damage an artist’s brand.
- Precedent: If Greenwood wins, other composers may demand stricter consultation clauses.
We are waiting to see if the segment will be cut. If Amazon and Ratner refuse to comply, legal action will likely follow.
For now, the music of Phantom Thread remains in the film, but the discord surrounding it is louder than ever.
What do you think about artists blocking their music from political films? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you are discussing this on social media, use the hashtag #PhantomMusicBan to join the conversation.
