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Controversy surrounds Melania documentary over unauthorized music use
The recent documentary titled Melania chronicles a pivotal period in the life of the former First Lady and has sparked significant controversy. Central to this dispute is a claim made by Jonny Greenwood, the renowned musician from the iconic band Radiohead, alongside acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson. They have raised concerns regarding the inclusion of a piece of music from Greenwood’s repertoire in the documentary, asserting that it was used without proper authorization.
Unauthorized use of music
Greenwood’s representatives have stated that the track ‘Barbara Rose’ was originally composed for Anderson’s film Phantom Thread in 2017. They claim that Universal Pictures, the studio behind both projects, did not obtain the necessary permissions to use the song in the Melania documentary. This situation allegedly violates Greenwood’s composer agreement. As a result, both the musician and Anderson are formally requesting the removal of the song from the film.
The implications of copyright infringement
This incident raises significant questions regarding copyright laws and the obligations of studios in securing rights for music usage. The absence of consultation with Greenwood, despite his lack of copyright ownership for the score, indicates a breach of artistic integrity. In their correspondence with Variety, Greenwood’s representatives underscored the necessity of respecting artists’ rights within the film industry.
Mixed reviews and audience reactions
The Melania documentary, which chronicles twenty days in the life of Melania Trump leading up to her husband’s second term, has garnered mixed reviews. Critics from various entertainment outlets have characterized the film as a form of propaganda for the Trump administration, indicating that it appears to promote a political agenda rather than deliver an impartial portrayal. Conversely, audience reactions on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes present a different perspective, revealing a remarkable 99% approval rating from verified viewers.
The financial stakes of the film
Despite polarized opinions, the financial support for the documentary is significant. Reports indicate that Amazon MGM Studios invested approximately $40 million in production, along with an additional $35 million allocated for marketing. Following its opening weekend, which brought in less than $10 million, the studio remains optimistic about recovering its investment through licensing agreements and the eventual inclusion of the film on its Prime Video streaming platform.
Future outlook for the Melania documentary
Kevin Wilson, head of domestic theatrical distribution at Amazon MGM, expressed confidence in the film’s potential longevity. He stated that the initial response exceeded their expectations. Wilson noted, “This momentum is an important first step in what we see as a long-tail lifecycle for both the film and the forthcoming docu-series, extending well beyond the theatrical window.” This indicates that the studio is committed to ensuring Melania remains relevant and profitable over time.
As developments unfold, including calls for the removal of Greenwood’s song, the situation adds further drama to the documentary’s release. It is yet to be determined how the legal and financial elements will evolve. The intersection of art, politics, and commerce in this case highlights the complexities inherent in today’s media landscape.