In a growing storm over rights and creative ownership, the producer of the contentious documentary “Melania” has responded to allegations from Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood regarding the unauthorised use of music. The documentary, which follows Melania Trump in the lead-up to her husband’s second inauguration, has sparked significant debate not only over its content but also over its adherence to copyright protocols.
Dispute Over Music Use
Marc Beckman, the producer behind “Melania,” has firmly defended the documentary’s incorporation of pieces from the score of the acclaimed 2017 film “Phantom Thread,” composed by Greenwood himself. The controversy erupted this week when Greenwood publicly claimed a breach of his composer agreement, asserting that the film’s distributor, Universal Pictures, had neglected to consult him about the use of his music.
In a statement released through Variety, Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson’s representatives expressed their discontent: “It has come to our attention that a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the Melania documentary.” Despite not holding the copyright, Greenwood’s attorneys argue that the lack of consultation constitutes a breach of his rights as a composer.
Producer Asserts Legal Compliance
Beckman has countered these claims, insisting that all necessary protocols were followed in securing the rights to use the music. “It’s a blatant lie. We have a legal right and permission to use every song and piece of music in the film. We have done everything the right way. We respect artists. We compensated everyone for their music,” he asserted in an interview with Breitbart News. He further emphasised that the production holds legally binding contracts for the music featured in “Melania,” labelling the accusations as “ridiculous.”
The documentary includes a notable segment featuring “Barbara Rose,” a composition by Greenwood specifically for Anderson’s film. As the controversy unfolds, the Independent has reached out to representatives for all parties involved, including Anderson, Greenwood, Amazon MGM Studios, and Universal Pictures, for further comment.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Despite the surrounding controversy, “Melania” has performed better at the box office than initially expected. The film has grossed approximately $13.35 million domestically over its first two weekends, significantly aided by support from organised groups of Republican women. The narrative portrays Melania interacting with stylists and political allies, culminating in her appearance alongside her husband at his swearing-in ceremony.
However, critical reception has been overwhelmingly negative. The Independent’s Nick Hilton awarded the film just one star, describing it as “not a documentary” but rather a “staged version of herself.” Hilton remarked on the film’s blend of reality TV and fiction, questioning its authenticity and artistic merit.
Financial Implications
While the documentary has seen a promising start, it faces an uphill battle to recoup its hefty production costs. Amazon MGM reportedly invested $40 million for the film’s rights and an additional $35 million for marketing. With performance figures falling short of expectations, industry analysts speculate about the long-term viability of the project.
The film also marks the return of director Brett Ratner, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct since 2017, claims he has denied. A report from Rolling Stone revealed that approximately two-thirds of the crew members requested their names be removed from the film’s credits, further complicating the documentary’s already tumultuous reputation.
Why it Matters
This unfolding saga highlights the complex interplay between artistic creation and copyright law, particularly within the realm of documentary filmmaking. As the industry grapples with issues of ownership and artistic integrity, the implications of this case extend beyond a single film, raising critical questions about the rights of artists in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. The outcome of this dispute not only affects those directly involved but also sets a precedent for how music rights are navigated in future documentary projects, potentially reshaping industry norms.
