Phantom Thread Composer Demands Removal From Melania Doc
Phantom Thread Composer Demands Removal From Melania Doc
Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson call for the Phantom Thread score to be removed from the Melania documentary, alleging a breach of their composer agreement.
In a joint statement, Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson say a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the Melania documentary without their knowledge, and they are asking for it to be removed because they allege a breach of their composer agreement. The pair contend that the use violates the terms they agreed to when the Phantom Thread score was created.
They also say they were not consulted or properly notified about licensing the track for Brett Ratner's controversial documentary. The claim highlights disputes over licensing, rights, and the proper process for using a composer’s work in a new project, especially one that has drawn intense public scrutiny.
The music in question—originally written for a 2017 film—has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about consent, licensing, and the control artists retain over their work once it leaves the screen. Greenwood, known for his work with Radiohead, and Anderson, the director of Phantom Thread, are seeking a resolution that would remove the excerpt from the Melania doc while preserving the integrity of their contractual rights.
As of now, there has been no public statement from the documentary’s producers or Universal about the request, leaving questions about potential negotiations, licensing corrections, or possible edits to the film. This development underscores how the legal and ethical boundaries of music licensing continue to surface in high-profile media projects, particularly when they touch on sensitive or polarizing subjects.
