Review of Phantom Thread (2017) by Dana F — 27 Mar 2018
I liked this movie more the longer it sat with me. It tells the story of a fictional high-fashion clothing designer in the '50s... like a behind the scenes episode of Project Runway 1950. There isn't much of a narrative, it just follows the hot/cold relationship he has with his muse/paramour, which eventually devolves into a codependent mess.
What starts as a love-letter to high fashion and true craftsmanship turns into a portrait of a pathologically unhealthy relationship. The pacing is slow and the film leans towards the boring side, but it's the performances that make this movie stand out above the rest.
Most of the characters are totally unlikeable (especially the lead character, who is a total pill), but they are all divinely acted. Daniel Day Lewis never fails to amaze me with just how fucking good he is.
The supporting performances by Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville are also excellent, they both hold their own against DDL's powerhouse performance. There is a dreamlike, almost haunting quality to the film, punctuated by its beautiful, lilting score.
It also has a lot more humor than you would expect from a movie like this. But overall, I don't really think this movie deserved a Best Picture nod.
This review of Phantom Thread (2017) was written by Dana F on 27 Mar 2018.
Phantom Thread has generally received very positive reviews.
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