Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood, known for their work on “Phantom Thread,” have made a big request: they want music from their 2017 film removed from the new documentary about Melania Trump. In a statement, they expressed concern about the use of their music without proper consultation. Greenwood doesn’t own the score’s copyright, but he claims that Universal did not follow the rules regarding its use.
The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, attempts to showcase Melania Trump’s life. However, critics are not impressed. Many reviews have described the film as unengaging. The Guardian’s Xan Brooks gave it a rare zero-star rating, labeling it “deadly” and devoid of any redeeming qualities.
Despite these reviews, the film has earned $13.35 million in its first two weeks, a notable figure for a documentary. Some of this success is attributed to organized support from Republican women, who see it as a political statement. However, the film’s earnings dropped significantly in its second weekend, by 67%, indicating a challenging road ahead.
Amazon MGM invested heavily, paying $40 million for streaming rights and another $35 million for marketing. This is unusual for a documentary that isn’t about nature or music. Speculation arose around Amazon’s motive for such a large investment, particularly regarding a potential alliance with Trump, who has been trying to revive Ratner’s career after past misconduct allegations.
Interestingly, the industry buzz suggests that Trump’s influence helped pave the way for “Rush Hour 4,” a sequel that Ratner has tried to produce for years. Reports indicate that Trump even lobbied for funding from Larry Ellison, a major stakeholder in Paramount Skydance, following a lawsuit settlement with Trump earlier this year.
Recently, Anderson, while accepting an award, acknowledged Brooks’ critique of the documentary, praising it as “one of the best pieces of writing” he had seen.
In contrast to its predecessors, “Phantom Thread” was celebrated with six Oscar nominations, including Best Original Score, highlighting the stark difference between artistic achievements and the often-controversial landscape of political documentaries today.
As conversations around these films surface on platforms like Twitter, users often express mixed feelings, either defending or critiquing the documentary’s intent. This polarization reflects broader societal divisions, particularly regarding the Trump administration and its ongoing influence.
For more on the “Melania” review, you can read the full piece here.
