Phantom Thread - movie review
Phantom Thread
Plot: Set in 1950's London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, Vicky Krieps
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Certificate: 15 (strong language)
Runtime: 2hrs 10 mins
Release Date: Friday 2nd February 2018
Well, the inevitable day has come. No, not the retirement of Daniel Day-Lewis but my first ever viewing of a Paul Thomas Anderson motion picture. Yes, it's shocking. A so-called film critic who's studying film at university has never seen a PTA film. I know a lot about his filmography and have always been intending to see his films but never got the chance to. So when the opportunity to see his newest film, Phantom Thread, came into my hands, I seized the moment immediately. Phantom Thread follows a prestigious and meticulous fashion designer as he encounters a young woman whom he begins to fall for yet all is not as it seems. This isn't a straightforward film and will likely anger or bore the average movie goer that was expecting a cutesy romance. If you were anticipating that, you should have known better.
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| Little did she know that he was wafting the fart away. |
The biggest talking point going into Phantom Thread was the hubbub surrounding Daniel Day-Lewis and his impending retirement. He had announced that this would be his final acting role for the foreseeable future and if that is to be believed, then it brings me nothing but joy to inform you that his portrayal of Reynolds Woodcock (stifle your laughter) is sensational. His retirement is also sure to bring a huge sigh of relief for many other actors as they realise that they now stand a better chance of winning Oscars. Through Day-Lewis' dedication to the role and PTA's enigmatic dialogue, Reynolds leaps off the screen and appears to be a real human being that the cameras plucked off the street. In fact, the entire film feels especially documentary-esque as if we are peeking into a private relationship that we have no right to be spying on. Reynolds is suave and sophisticated but notably, remains incredulously calm no matter the situation. That is, until Alma (Krieps) comes into his life and disrupts this equilibrium causing more heated outbursts to occur. Reynolds has a very particular and carefully orchestrated lifestyle that is overseen by his sister, Cyril played with wonderful mystery by Lesley Manville, but it's the presence of Krieps who fundamentally changes this movie for the better. In the opening scenes, we're introduced to Reynolds' almost militaristic regime as the camera swoops around never-ending corridors and spiralling staircases. When Alma appears, Reynolds' personality slowly begins to alter as their relationships blossoms. The movie has purposely been shrouded in secrecy because of its unpredictability and twists around every corner so giving away too much of the plot would spoil the experience. Anderson's script behaves very much like the character of Reynolds. As soon as you think you have the whole picture figured out, a curveball is thrown directly at you making you rethink the film so far. But as good as the veterans may be, it's Krieps who walks away as the star of the show because she manages to achieve the impossible and go toe to toe with Daniel Day-Lewis, one of, if not, the greatest actor of all time, and either stand on par with him or outshine him in certain scenes. Considering this is Krieps' English language feature film debut, she is an astonishing revelation providing the movie's sense of heart and raw emotion. She shifts the focus away from Reynolds and makes this film entirely about her and her specific journey. From a fairly convincing romantic relationship between these two leads to the various domestics, everything about their pairing was completely transfixing.
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| Literally how every actor reacted upon the news of Day-Lewis' retirement and knowing they stand a better chance of awards success. |
FACT: This was the first time Daniel Day-Lewis had used his natural English accent in a film since Stars and Bars (1988).
I do feel that Phantom Thread should come with a warning for those who aren't sure of what they're letting themselves in for. The running time is 130 minutes and those seconds don't exactly tick by. It is a slow burn and much of the film is drawn out conversations in one dimly lit room. The most this film ever raises its heartbeat is during a car ride and even that is abiding by the speed limit. Anderson is focused on the back and forth between Alma and Reynolds so everything else in the background takes an unfortunate back seat and that means some of the supporting performers aren't given enough to work with resulting in underwhelming performances due to the phenomenal work by the leads. Because of these flaws, I can't exactly say that I'm going to be rushing back to the cinema any time soon to rewatch Phantom Thread. This seems more like a film that is worth a watch once every year because it is so heavy going. With all of that being said, no one can deny the technical expertise on display. Jonny Greenwood's score sounds as if it was plucked from the clouds of heaven itself and in one scene particular, as we tour the luscious house of Reynolds, Greenwood's score adds to the overall character of the film. Anderson also utilises impeccable production and costume design to his benefit. The sets seems as if they were stripped right out of Downton Abbey with a touch of gothic horror splashed in for good measure. And as to be expected, the costumes are stunning. For a film about a fashion designer, I was willing to bet my entire student loan that the costumes would be gorgeous and if they don't win the Academy Award, then I'll buy 100 copies of The Emoji Movie to punish myself. But the costumes and production design end up circling back around to PTA as a director. This is his film through and through thanks to every single shot being so carefully and meticulously framed to the point where he reminded me of a calmer, less intense Kubrick. My final comment about Phantom Thread is that it's truly an unorthodox film. I walked out of my screening coming to the conclusion that I had never seen a film like that and probably never will again. Anderson balances a wry sense of humour with a compelling romance that hypnotises the audience into an idyllic splendour despite an ending that is sure to divide opinion.
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| I wondered where my curtain net went. |
If this is Daniel Day-Lewis' swan-song, then at least he has managed to leave at the peak of his career. Yet again, he delivers a performance for the ages in a film that will likely be studied and analysed until the end of time. Manville and Krieps also provide phenomenal work in their respective roles and the film is an experience like no other. I can't recommend this film for everyone because its own uniqueness but if anyone is willing to give it a chance, then I don't think Phantom Thread will disappoint.
My Verdict: 7.5/10
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