Paul Thomas Anderson, Jonny Greenwood Request Removal of ‘Phantom Thread’ Score from ‘Melania’ Film
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and acclaimed composer Jonny Greenwood have submitted a formal request to remove a segment of music from their 2017 film, “Phantom Thread,” from the new documentary “Melania.” This documentary centers on Melania Trump and captures the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Request for Removal
In a joint statement released on Monday, Anderson and Greenwood expressed their concerns regarding the unauthorized use of the “Phantom Thread” score in the documentary. They pointed out that Universal Pictures did not consult Greenwood, despite him not holding the copyright to the score. This oversight violates Greenwood’s composer agreement.
Background on “Phantom Thread”
The film “Phantom Thread,” featuring Daniel Day-Lewis as a temperamental dressmaker in 1950s London, was released by Focus Features, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal. Jonny Greenwood is credited with composing its acclaimed orchestral score.
About the Documentary “Melania”
“Melania” explores the life of the first lady during the critical weeks leading up to the inauguration. Directed by Brett Ratner, known for “Rush Hour,” the documentary features original music by composer Tony Neiman. This project marks Ratner’s return to directing following allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017, which he has denied.
Financial Aspects and Reception
- “Melania” was acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for approximately $40 million.
- The documentary has grossed over $13 million in North America to date.
- It holds a low Rotten Tomatoes score of 8%, reflecting generally unfavorable reviews from critics.
Anderson’s Recent Work
Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson is making headlines with his film “One Battle After Another,” which garnered 13 nominations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards in March. The film delves into the lives of disenchanted leftist revolutionaries evading a fierce military officer. Like “Phantom Thread,” Greenwood also composed the score for this film.
In addition to these works, Jonny Greenwood has been nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his contributions to Anderson’s films, including “There Will Be Blood,” “The Master,” and “Inherent Vice.”
