Anderson, Greenwood Want ‘Phantom Thread’ Music Removed

Anderson, Greenwood Want ‘Phantom Thread’ Music Removed

February 9, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

A dispute over music rights has emerged surrounding the documentary “Melania,” directed by Brett Ratner. Paul Thomas Anderson, director of “Phantom Thread,” and Jonny Greenwood, the film’s composer, have requested the removal of a musical segment from the controversial film.

The Dispute Explained

According to a statement obtained by Variety, Greenwood’s representatives informed the filmmakers that Universal failed to consult Greenwood regarding the use of his “Phantom Thread” score in “Melania.” While Greenwood does not hold the copyright to the score itself, the use constitutes a breach of his composer agreement. Anderson and Greenwood have formally asked for the music to be removed from the documentary.

Did You Know? Jonny Greenwood has composed or contributed to the scores for 12 films over the past 25 years, shifting his focus from rock music to film composition.

The documentary, described as an unrevealing look at the First Lady, has earned $13.35 million domestically after two weekends in release. This represents a significant amount for a documentary not focused on nature or music, but pales in comparison to the financial investment made in its production and marketing.

A Costly Production

Amazon MGM reportedly spent $40 million to acquire “Melania” and an accompanying docu-series, and an additional $35 million on theatrical marketing. This represents an unprecedented financial outlay for a documentary, raising questions about the studio’s motivations. Some industry observers speculate the substantial investment may be an attempt to align with the current administration.

Expert Insight: The significant financial commitment to “Melania,” despite the typical box office performance of documentaries, suggests a strategic calculation beyond purely commercial considerations. The studio’s unusual public statement addressing the second weekend results further underscores the high stakes involved.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman, in a 2017 review, described Greenwood’s work on “Phantom Thread” as creating a “plangent pull…rapturous with longing and anxiety, summons an unmistakable ’50s-Hitchcock vibe.”

What Happens Next?

We see possible Amazon MGM will comply with the request and remove the music from future versions of the documentary. Alternatively, they could contest the claim, potentially leading to legal proceedings. A possible next step could also involve negotiating a licensing agreement with Greenwood. The studio’s decision will likely be influenced by the potential legal costs and the impact on the film’s overall reception.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of the dispute?

The dispute centers on the use of music from “Phantom Thread” in the “Melania” documentary without consulting Jonny Greenwood, a breach of his composer agreement with Universal.

How much has “Melania” earned in domestic box office revenue?

“Melania” has earned $13.35 million domestically after two weekends of release.

How much did Amazon MGM spend on “Melania”?

Amazon MGM spent $40 million to acquire the film and a docu-series, and an additional $35 million on theatrical marketing, totaling $75 million.

Given the unusual financial investment and the subsequent controversy surrounding the film, what does this situation suggest about the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking and its intersection with political considerations?