Renowned composer Jonny Greenwood, known for his work with Radiohead and acclaimed film scores, has demanded the removal of his music from the controversial documentary “Melania.” The film, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, features a piece of music from Greenwood’s score for the 2017 film “Phantom Thread,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
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Greenwood expressed his displeasure, stating that Universal Pictures, the distributor of “Phantom Thread,” failed to consult him before licensing the music for the third-party use in the Melania documentary. This move was deemed a breach of his composer agreement, leading Greenwood and Anderson to take action to have the music removed from the film.
The collaboration between Greenwood and Anderson on the “Phantom Thread” score was highly praised, earning Greenwood an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. The music’s inclusion in the Melania documentary without proper consultation has sparked a debate on artistic integrity and intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry.
Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of “Phantom Thread,” has also joined Greenwood in calling for the removal of the music from the Melania documentary. The filmmaker emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of composers and artists in using their work in other projects.
The public response to Greenwood and Anderson’s stance has been mixed, with some applauding their commitment to protecting artistic integrity and others questioning the impact on the documentary’s narrative. The controversy surrounding the unauthorized use of Greenwood’s music has raised ethical questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers and distributors in obtaining proper permissions for creative works.
As the story continues to unfold, industry experts and legal professionals are closely monitoring the situation to assess the potential implications for intellectual property rights and artistic collaborations in the film industry. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and respecting the creative contributions of artists in the entertainment world.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the issue of intellectual property rights and artistic integrity remains a critical concern for creators and industry stakeholders. Greenwood and Anderson’s decision to take a stand against the unauthorized use of their music sets a precedent for protecting the rights of composers and artists in the entertainment industry.
#JonnyGreenwood #PhantomThread #MelaniaDocumentary #IntellectualProperty #ArtisticIntegrity
References:
– Consequence: https://consequence.net/2026/02/jonny-greenwood-melania/
– Pitchfork: https://pitchfork.com/news/jonny-greenwood-wants-his-music-pulled-from-the-melania-movie/
– Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jonny-greenwood-melania-doc-phantom-thread-score-removed-1235513362/
– Deadline: https://deadline.com/2026/02/jonny-greenwood-melania-doc-remove-phantom-thread-music-1236713106/
– Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/pro/radiohead-jonny-greenwood-music-removed-melania-documentary/
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