Phantom Thread
2.5/4
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville
Rated R for Language
"Phantom Thread" has been getting a lot of buzz for one reason: it is (allegedly) the final film of Daniel Day-Lewis before his retirement. I say "allegedly" because, like Hayao Miyazaki, he has claimed retirement before only to return to the screen. As one of cinema's most distinguished and legendary actors (he was the first person to win three Best Actor Oscars), the news that "Phantom Thread" would be his final film shocked the world.
In a way, "Phantom Thread" is like "Eyes Wide Shut;" it's an art film that because of its background drama is getting more press and attention than it otherwise would. This is definitely not multiplex fare; those without patience or appreciation for movies that don't include special effects or overt manipulation needn't bother.
Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis) is a genius dressmaker whose personal designs have made him extremely famous and wealthy. Together with his brittle sister Cyril (Manville) they have built a thriving business whose dresses are internationally famous. Believing that a relationship could hamper his mojo as it were, Reynolds has planned on staying single. Then he meets Alma (Krieps), a cute waitress. They fall for each other, and she becomes his muse, employee, and lover. But their personalities are such that continued interaction may prove dangerous.
Daniel Day-Lewis has built his career on playing volcanic, larger-than-life characters like Bill the Butcher in "Gangs of New York" or Daniel Plainview in "There Will Be Blood." Here he is surprisingly low-key. The trademark intensity is still there, with instances of verbal brutality and temper. But this is a largely restrained performance. It's great work and reminds us of his astonishing range and talent.
It's a tall order to ask an actor to hold their own against an acting powerhouse like Daniel Day-Lewis, but Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville are up to the challenge. As Alma, Krieps underplays her role and that keeps her motives and boundaries a mystery. We never know what she's capable of. Lesley Manville is equal to her as the brittle Cyril, whose loyalty to her brother is fierce and unshakable.
The movie has an uncanny feel for detail. The sense of time and place is impressive, and the behind-the-scenes stuff about dress-making is fascinating. The problem is that the story seems to start on chapter five. The scenes that set up the story are missing. The characters aren't well-established until later in the film, and even when they are, there's not much to them.
What is in "Phantom Thread" is good stuff. It's just that there isn't much beneath the surface.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville
Rated R for Language
"Phantom Thread" has been getting a lot of buzz for one reason: it is (allegedly) the final film of Daniel Day-Lewis before his retirement. I say "allegedly" because, like Hayao Miyazaki, he has claimed retirement before only to return to the screen. As one of cinema's most distinguished and legendary actors (he was the first person to win three Best Actor Oscars), the news that "Phantom Thread" would be his final film shocked the world.
In a way, "Phantom Thread" is like "Eyes Wide Shut;" it's an art film that because of its background drama is getting more press and attention than it otherwise would. This is definitely not multiplex fare; those without patience or appreciation for movies that don't include special effects or overt manipulation needn't bother.
Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis) is a genius dressmaker whose personal designs have made him extremely famous and wealthy. Together with his brittle sister Cyril (Manville) they have built a thriving business whose dresses are internationally famous. Believing that a relationship could hamper his mojo as it were, Reynolds has planned on staying single. Then he meets Alma (Krieps), a cute waitress. They fall for each other, and she becomes his muse, employee, and lover. But their personalities are such that continued interaction may prove dangerous.
Daniel Day-Lewis has built his career on playing volcanic, larger-than-life characters like Bill the Butcher in "Gangs of New York" or Daniel Plainview in "There Will Be Blood." Here he is surprisingly low-key. The trademark intensity is still there, with instances of verbal brutality and temper. But this is a largely restrained performance. It's great work and reminds us of his astonishing range and talent.
It's a tall order to ask an actor to hold their own against an acting powerhouse like Daniel Day-Lewis, but Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville are up to the challenge. As Alma, Krieps underplays her role and that keeps her motives and boundaries a mystery. We never know what she's capable of. Lesley Manville is equal to her as the brittle Cyril, whose loyalty to her brother is fierce and unshakable.
The movie has an uncanny feel for detail. The sense of time and place is impressive, and the behind-the-scenes stuff about dress-making is fascinating. The problem is that the story seems to start on chapter five. The scenes that set up the story are missing. The characters aren't well-established until later in the film, and even when they are, there's not much to them.
What is in "Phantom Thread" is good stuff. It's just that there isn't much beneath the surface.
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