Music Dispute Erupts Over "Melania" Documentary: Anderson & Greenwood Seek Removal of Phantom Thread Score

Director Paul Thomas Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood have formally requested the removal of music from their 2017 film Phantom Thread from the "Melania" documentary. They assert that Universal, the score's copyright holder, failed to consult Greenwood regarding its use, which they state constitutes a breach of his composer agreement. In response, Marc Beckman, a producer for the "Melania" documentary, has denied these allegations, stating the production possesses all necessary legal rights for the music.

Allegation of Unauthorized Use

Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood initiated a request for the removal of music from their 2017 film, Phantom Thread, from the "Melania" documentary. They issued a statement indicating that a piece of music, reportedly "Barbara Rose" from Phantom Thread, was utilized in the "Melania" documentary without their approval.

Anderson and Greenwood contend that while Universal holds the copyright to the orchestral score, the company did not consult Greenwood concerning this third-party use. They assert this omission constitutes a breach of Greenwood's composer agreement, leading to their request for the music's removal.

Anderson and Greenwood contend that while Universal holds the copyright to the orchestral score, the company did not consult Greenwood concerning this third-party use, asserting this omission constitutes a breach of Greenwood's composer agreement.

Documentary Producer Refutes Claims

Marc Beckman, a producer for the "Melania" documentary, has refuted the claims made by Greenwood and Anderson. Beckman stated that the production holds legal rights and permission for all music featured in the film. He characterized the claims as "a blatant lie" and "ridiculous."

"The production has legally binding, fully executed contracts in place to use every song in 'Melania.'"

Beckman also criticized news outlets for reporting on the dispute without first contacting individuals involved in the documentary's production.

"Melania" Documentary Overview

The "Melania" documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, chronicles the activities of the former first lady in the 20 days leading up to January 20, 2025. It features original music composed by Tony Neiman.

Amazon MGM Studios licensed the film for an reported $40 million and allocated an additional $35 million for theatrical marketing, totaling $75 million in expenditures. The film has generated $13.35 million in domestic box office revenue over two weekends.

Critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes has been reported between an 8% and an 11% critic score. Despite this, the film reportedly garnered significant viewer praise, with some revenue attributed to organized groups of Republican women.

Phantom Thread Context

Phantom Thread, also directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and scored by Jonny Greenwood, was released in 2017 by Focus Features, a division of NBCUniversal. The film grossed $52.2 million globally.

Pending Comments

Tony Neiman, the composer for the "Melania" documentary's score, has not yet commented on the situation. Amazon MGM Studios has also not provided a comment specifically on the music dispute.