A shadow has fallen over the release of a new documentary focusing on Melania Trump. While the film attempts to chart her life leading up to a pivotal moment in her husband’s presidency, a surprising challenge has emerged from an unexpected corner of the music world.
Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood has publicly objected to the use of his music within the film, claiming he was never consulted. A haunting segment featuring music from his 2017 score for “Phantom Thread” unexpectedly appears in the documentary, sparking a legal dispute.
Greenwood and the film’s original director, Paul Thomas Anderson, assert this constitutes a breach of their existing composer agreement. They’ve jointly issued a statement demanding the music’s removal, highlighting a fundamental issue of artistic control and consent.
The disputed track, “Barbara Rose,” was originally composed for the critically acclaimed “Phantom Thread,” a period drama that garnered numerous Oscar nominations and a win for costume design. Greenwood’s work on the film cemented his reputation as a versatile and sought-after composer.
While Greenwood doesn’t hold the copyright to the original soundtrack, his legal team emphasizes a specific agreement regarding future usage. This agreement, they argue, was deliberately bypassed by Universal, leading to the current conflict and the demand for the music’s removal.
The controversy surrounding the documentary extends beyond the music rights dispute. Initial reactions have been sharply divided, with critics largely dismissing the film as “propaganda” while some supporters have lauded it. This polarization mirrors the complex public perception of the former First Lady herself.
Despite the critical backlash, the documentary initially grossed around $7 million in North America, followed by an additional $2.5 million the subsequent weekend. However, the film experienced a significant 67% drop in viewership during its second week, a decline partially attributed to competition from the Super Bowl.
The film’s narrative centers on the twenty days preceding Donald Trump’s bid for a second term, offering a glimpse into Melania Trump’s world during a highly charged political period. Trump himself has enthusiastically endorsed the documentary, labeling it a “MUST WATCH.”
However, many reviewers have noted a conspicuous absence of the former President within the film itself, with his presence largely limited to brief phone calls and fleeting appearances. This has fueled criticism that the documentary lacks substantial insight into the Trump administration.
Online review aggregators reflect this divide. Rotten Tomatoes currently gives the film a dismal 10% rating, while the audience score on their “Popcornmeter” initially soared to 99%, prompting the site to publicly affirm the authenticity of the verified viewer reviews.
Supporters have praised Melania Trump’s portrayal as embodying “style, grace and elegance,” with some reporting spontaneous applause at screenings. Conversely, other critics have described the documentary as “vacuous,” “empty,” and “dull,” even by the standards of political propaganda.
The production of the documentary was exceptionally costly, reportedly exceeding $75 million – $40 million for the film rights alone and an additional $35 million for theatrical marketing. This massive investment underscores the high stakes and ambitious scope of the project.
