Oscar-nominated director Paul Thomas Anderson and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood have taken a stand regarding their music. They’ve asked for a piece from their 2017 film “Phantom Thread” to be removed from the new Melania Trump documentary.
In a recent statement, they pointed out that Universal Pictures didn’t get Greenwood’s permission to use the music. Although Greenwood does not own the copyright, he believes this oversight contradicts their composer agreement.
Greenwood’s score for “Phantom Thread” beautifully complements the film’s story of a temperamental dressmaker in 1950s London. The film itself, released by Focus Features, received critical acclaim and was a strong contender during awards season.
Meanwhile, the documentary “Melania,” which focuses on the first lady in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, features original music by Tony Neiman. Directed by Brett Ratner, this project marks his return to filmmaking after facing sexual misconduct allegations in 2017—a claim he has denied.
“Melania” has made over $13 million at the North American box office but has not fared well with critics, boasting a disappointing 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Interestingly, Anderson’s latest film, “One Battle After Another,” has been well-received, earning 13 Oscar nominations, including best picture. This film dives into the lives of aging revolutionaries evading a ruthless military officer. Greenwood, who has also scored other Anderson films like “There Will Be Blood” and “The Master,” has been nominated for the Oscar for best original score three times.
This recent dispute highlights the complex nature of music rights in film. As artists fight to protect their work, it raises questions about how projects are developed and the importance of creative agreements in the industry.
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