Reviews & Ratings for
Phantom Thread (2017)

Phantom Thread simply put, is a story about love, creativity and obsession. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Daniel Day Lewis in what was to be his last acting role, the film narrates the story of fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis) and his tumultuous journey in balancing love and creativity.

In many respects the film belongs as much to Day-Lewis' performance as it does to Vicky Krieps - debuting as the obsessive designers love interest.

Far removed from the prototypical passive artistic muses, Alma (Krieps) wants to be an active agent in Woodcock's life and is unwilling to simply be piece of art to be admired from afar. This is a jarring development for Woodcock - someone who resembles less of a man than an object of pure obsession and habit.

Thus unsurprisingly begins a romance that is originally replete with marvel and doting but evolves into annoyance and eventually loathing.

What ensues in the eyes of many as a compromise on both their parts may seem disturbing or masochistic and devoid of all common sense - which is what makes this story - set in the upper echelons of British aristocracy and featuring a lead so removed from normal life - seem so human.

Anderson is uncharacteristically understated with his approach to the film which suits it perfectly. There's a delicate nature to the film, almost frail in a sense. Somewhat like the very dresses that embody the movie - this impeding sense of fragility - that it will collapse at the slightest touch - that it needs to be treated with the utmost care - much like the titular character of Reynolds Woodcock himself.

And rightfully so.

For a movie dealing with artistry, the artist and his muse, the slightest of touches is all that's needed as anything more heavy handed would desecrate the very art that should speak for itself.

4.5/5

Phantom Thread is a film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film was on my radar for quite some time mainly because of Daniel Day-Lewis. Finally after seeing the film I can definitely say that he is a treat to watch.

Plot: Reynolds Woodcock, a fashion designer in the 1950s falls in love with a waitress, Alma.

Story and direction: The film is a very correct depiction of what famous people are. The characterization to the minutest detail has been very nicely done by Anderson. This is what caught on to me for the entire runtime. The problems, fame, tensions, etc.. all were shown without any adulteration. It felt very genuine on screen. It was as if I was looking at an autobiography of a very famous person living in 1950s London. One thing that very well caught my attention was the costumes. Considering that the film is based all around costumes, it was natural that my attention would be to that aspect. For the first time, I felt in awe of the costumes. Also the BGM by Johnny Greenwood. His score is very simplistic yet very beautiful and melodious. But the film is not without any faults. The very much linear narrative of the film itself is its problem. There are no high moments of the film where you feel that the film will standout. Also I did feel that there was not much time given for Alma and Reynolds' relation to develop.

Performances: I felt this film more of a performance oriented film than a story driven one. Daniel Day-Lewis nails the role of Reynolds. The mannerism and attitude by him was perfect. For him acting is not a word, its art and passion which is very clearly seen in his performance. Vicky Kriepes role was not that great. I don't know whether it was the script or her acting I did feel something lacking in her role. Lesley Manville was good as Reynolds' sister, Cyril. She provided great support to his character.

Favorite Scene: It would be the one where Alma cooks diiner for Reynolds and he looks at it in a very disgusting way and comments of being very off from his routine. That scene showed the greatness of Day-Lewis as an actor which captivated me the most.

Verdict: Although not so great in its story, the performances are worth a watch. If this is Day-Lewis' last role, I can very well say that he ended on a high note. He will severely be missed a lot.

I am going with an 8.5/10.