Oscar-nominated director Paul Thomas Anderson and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood have officially demanded that a music piece from their 2017 film Phantom Thread be removed from the new documentary about first lady Melania Trump. The request was made after the score was included in the documentary without proper consultation or permission.
Details on the Copyright Dispute and Statement from Anderson and Greenwood
In a joint statement released on Monday, Anderson and Greenwood said,
“It has come to our attention that a piece of music from ‘Phantom Thread’ has been used in the ‘Melania’ documentary.”
They further explained,
“While Jonny Greenwood does not own the copyright in the score, Universal failed to consult Jonny on third third-party use, which is a breach of his composer agreement.”
The pair concluded,
“Jonny and Paul Thomas Anderson have asked for it to be removed from the documentary.”
Background on the Music and Film Involved
Jonny Greenwood composed the rich orchestral score for Phantom Thread, a drama centered on a volatile dressmaker, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, set in 1950s London. This film was released by Focus Features, part of NBCUniversal, which also owns NBC News. The unauthorized use of the score has raised tensions within this entertainment group.
About the Melania Documentary and Its Reception
The documentary Melania chronicles the first lady’s activities in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025. Directed by Brett Ratner, known for Rush Hour, this marked Ratner’s first directing project since sexual misconduct allegations emerged against him in 2017, which he denies and has not been charged for. The film has earned over $13 million in North America but has been widely panned by critics, holding an 8% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Context on Anderson and Greenwood’s Recent Projects and Collaborations
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, One Battle After Another, recently received 13 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, including best picture and best director. This film portrays a group of fading leftist revolutionaries evading a ruthless military officer. Greenwood scored this film along with Anderson’s previous works such as There Will Be Blood, The Master, and Inherent Vice. Greenwood has been nominated three times for the best original score Oscar, highlighting the significance of his work within the film industry.
