Radiohead Star and Director Demand Music Removal from Melania Trump Documentary
Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson have formally requested the removal of music from their 2017 film Phantom Thread from a documentary about Melania Trump. The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner and available on Amazon, features a lengthy excerpt of Greenwood's composition 'Barbara Rose' without proper consultation, according to the musician.
Alleged Breach of Composer Agreement
Greenwood, who composed the score for Phantom Thread, alleges a significant breach of his composer agreement. He claims that Universal, the film's distributor, failed to seek his approval for the third-party use of his music in the Melania Trump documentary. This oversight has sparked a legal and ethical dispute over intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry.
Documentary's Content and Critical Reception
The documentary follows Melania Trump in the lead-up to her husband's second presidential inauguration. Despite exceeding box office projections with $13.35 million domestically, the film has been widely criticised. The Independent described it as somewhere between reality TV and pure fiction, and it is unlikely to recoup Amazon MGM's reported $40 million acquisition cost plus an additional $35 million in marketing expenses.
Industry Speculation and Financial Implications
The high cost of the documentary has led to industry speculation that Amazon's purchase was an attempt to curry favour with then-President Donald Trump. Jimmy Kimmel has even suggested that the box office figures were rigged, adding to the controversy. The film's financial struggles highlight the risks associated with large-scale documentary productions in today's competitive market.
Impact on Music and Film Collaboration
This incident underscores the importance of clear agreements and consultations in music licensing for films. It may set a precedent for how composers and directors protect their work from unauthorised use in future projects, potentially affecting collaborations across the entertainment sector.
