Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood asks for music to be removed from Melania movie over copyright dispute
A segment of music from Jonny Greenwood’s score for the 2017 film Phantom Thread is at the centre of a dispute involving the recently released documentary about Melania Trump. Greenwood, the Radiohead musician who composed the score, and director Paul Thomas Anderson have requested its removal from the film.
The Dispute Over Musical Rights
The request stems from what Greenwood and Anderson’s representatives claim is a breach of the composer agreement. While Greenwood does not hold the copyright to the score itself, the film’s distributor, Universal, allegedly failed to consult with him before licensing the music for use in the Melania documentary. They have asked for the music to be removed.
The specific piece of music in question is “Barbara Rose,” a song Greenwood composed for Anderson’s film. Representatives for Amazon MGM Studios and Universal have been contacted for comment.
Context of the Documentary
The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, follows Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration. It has earned $13.35 million domestically after two weekends, exceeding initial box office expectations, fueled in part by attendance from groups of Republican women. The film depicts Melania Trump meeting with stylists, interior designers, and political allies.
Despite its box office performance, the $40 million production, coupled with an additional $35 million spent on marketing, makes it unlikely to recoup its costs. Industry speculation suggests Amazon’s acquisition of the film may have been motivated by a desire to cultivate a relationship with former President Donald Trump.
The film’s release marks Ratner’s return to directing after facing multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, though he has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes. The documentary has received largely negative critical reception, including a one-star review from The Independent, which described it as “transparently not a documentary.”
What Could Happen Next
Amazon MGM Studios and Universal could 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. It’s also possible that a compromise could be reached, such as a financial settlement. The outcome will likely depend on the specifics of Greenwood’s composer agreement and the legal arguments presented by both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of the complaint?
Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson allege that the use of music from Phantom Thread in the Melania documentary constitutes a breach of Greenwood’s composer agreement, specifically because Universal failed to consult him before licensing the music.
How has the documentary performed financially?
The documentary has earned $13.35 million domestically after two weekends, exceeding box office projections. However, it is unlikely to recoup the $40 million Amazon MGM paid for it, plus an additional $35 million spent on marketing.
Who directed the documentary?
The documentary was directed by Brett Ratner, who returned to filmmaking after facing multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017.
How will disputes like these impact the future of music licensing for politically charged documentaries?