Paul Thomas Anderson, Jonny Greenwood Request Phantom Thread Score Removed from Melania Film

Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood have taken a significant stand regarding the use of music from their film, Phantom Thread, in the new documentary about Melania Trump. The pair has requested that the score be removed from the project, which is directed by Brett Ratner.

Controversy Surrounding the Documentary

The documentary, simply titled Melania, offers an inside look at Melania Knauss, the Slovenian model married to former President Donald Trump. Critics have lambasted the film, branding it as dull and uneventful. The Guardian’s Xan Brooks delivered a particularly harsh review, describing it as “deadly” and lacking any redeeming qualities.

Financial Performance and Reception

Despite the critical backlash, Melania has managed to gross $13.35 million at the domestic box office within its first two weeks. However, this figure falls short of recouping its substantial budget. The film experienced a significant drop in ticket sales, with a 67% decrease over its second weekend in theaters.

Financial Backing and Speculation

• Amazon MGM acquired streaming rights for Melania for $40 million.
• An additional $35 million was spent on marketing, a rarity for a nonfiction film.
• Industry experts speculate that these investments aim to strengthen ties with Donald Trump.

This speculation arises in light of Ratner’s upcoming projects, including a revival of the Rush Hour franchise, reportedly influenced by Trump’s involvement.

Response from Anderson and Greenwood

In a statement to Variety, Anderson and Greenwood expressed their concerns regarding the unauthorized use of the Phantom Thread score. They noted that while Greenwood does not hold the copyright, the use of the music without consultation breaches his composer agreement.

Anderson acknowledged the quality of Brooks’ review while accepting a screenplay award from the London Critics’ Circle. He described the review as one of the best pieces of writing he had encountered, showcasing the film’s stark criticism.

A Brief Look at Phantom Thread

Overall, Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood’s withdrawal of the score from Melania underscores their commitment to artistic integrity amid a highly contentious political atmosphere.