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Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Reynolds Woodcock, a successful, wealthy dress designer in England during the 1950s. He is assisted by his sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville), with whom he has a close relationship. Neither of them has ever married, But Reynolds has been involved with a series of women who share his life and work until he grows tired of them. While on holiday, he meets a young waitress, Alma Elson (Vicky Krieps). She enters into Reynolds' orbit much like his previous women, but she eventually finds life within his strict routine too difficult. And she finds a very innovative way of dealing with it.
The film was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson who previously directed Day-Lewis in THERE WILL BE BLOOD. These two collaborations between director and star couldn't be more different from each other.
The operative phrase to describe PHANTOM THREAD is low key. Slow moving, with a somewhat somniferous effect, there isn't all that much story to speak of. Rather, this is a perfectly realized character study of three extremely strange people and how their lives intersect during the course of the film. I must admit I found myself beginning to nod off in certain places. But things definitely start happening in the last one-third of the movie and I became totally fascinated. Excellent, controlled performances by all three of the stars. Gorgeous locations and art design. Lush musical score by Jonny Greenwood. Absolutely worth seeing.
"Somniferous." Okay, Mike. You have now returned the favor by expanding my vocabulary! I think that word will come in handy. Despite you applying that adjective to this movie, you still hung in there till the end to recommend it.
ReplyDeleteI am curious as to why the film is set in the 1950s. If not based on some pre-existing work or true-life story, it seems like the filmmaker is creating an additional production challenge to overcome having to depict period-accurate detail in the film. Maybe that era just appealed to the director or writer on an aesthetic level. Geez, I make more sense writing about flicks I haven't even seen!
Well, I'm glad I was able to add to your already impressive vocabulary! Isn't that a cool word? I have no idea why the film was set in the 1950s. I haven't seen the film since it came to theaters in 2017, so my addled brain has forgotten a lot of details. But I do remember what a slow burn it was for much of the movie. Very weird movie. I do remember how uncomfortable the ending made me feel.
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