Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood Demands Removal of Music 'Barbara Rose' from 'Melania' Documentary

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson are demanding the removal of a piece of music from their 2017 film 'Phantom Thread' after it appeared in a controversial Amazon documentary about Melania Trump.

The song 'Barbara Rose,' composed by Greenwood for 'Phantom Thread,' features prominently in the new documentary, 'Melania.'

The film, directed by Brett Ratner, offers an intimate look at Melania Trump during the 20 days before her husband's second inauguration. It showcases her meetings with stylists, interior designers, and political allies.

The documentary has attracted attention not just for its content but also for its hefty price tag reportedly over $40 million paid by Amazon MGM and an additional $35 million spent on marketing.

Greenwood's representatives confirmed that the musician did not give permission for his music to be included. The composer's lawyers state that while Greenwood does not hold the copyright, the film's distributor, Universal, failed to consult him before using the track.

This oversight constitutes a breach of Greenwood's composer agreement. The musicians and Anderson's team are now requesting the removal of the segment from the documentary.

Protests after watching 'Melania,' serves them right

The film's impressive box office over $13 million in just two weekends has surpassed many expectations. Yet, industry insiders believe the project may still fall short of recouping its enormous costs.

Amazon's investment in the film has prompted whispers about strategic motives, possibly aiming to influence or align with political figures like Donald Trump. The choice to buy a high-profile project for such a hefty sum fuels speculation of political or commercial leverage behind the scenes.

Director Brett Ratner's return to filmmaking after allegations of misconduct has also added layers of controversy. Ratner, once known for blockbuster hits like the 'Rush Hour' series, faced multiple accusations allegations he has denied.

His move to Israel following the allegations kept him out of the Hollywood spotlight, but his involvement in the 'Melania' documentary has reignited debate about accountability and motives in the industry.

Designed to influence public perception of the Trumps

Despite its high-profile release, the documentary has been heavily criticised. Critics have panned it for being more staged reality than genuine documentary.

The Independent's Nick Hilton gave it a meagre one-star review, describing it as 'a staged version of Melania' and accusing it of blurring the lines between documentary, entertainment, and fiction. Hilton argued that the film resembles a mix of reality TV and scripted drama, undermining its credibility.

The film's portrayal of Melania has also been viewed as somewhat superficial, with scenes crafted with the precision of a Hollywood production rather than journalistic integrity. Critics have questioned whether the documentary offers any real insight into the first lady or if it merely presents a curated image designed to entertain or influence public perception.

Greenwood's transition to film scores

Jonny Greenwood has become a notable figure in film music. Known primarily for his work with Radiohead, Greenwood has scored numerous acclaimed films, including 'There Will Be Blood,' 'Liquorice Pizza,' and 'Phantom Thread," which earned him six Oscar nominations, including best original score.

Greenwood's involvement in films has often overshadowed his work with 'Radiohead.' His scores add a haunting, layered quality to movies, resonating deeply with audiences. Yet, his recent discomfort over the use of his 'Phantom Thread' music in the 'Melania' documentary underscores how even the most carefully crafted compositions can become entangled in political or commercial disputes.

When a piece of music is used without consent, it challenges the integrity of both the creator and the production. Greenwood's stance sends a clear message: even in the fast-paced world of entertainment, respecting artistic rights remains vital.