Review of Phantom Thread (2017) by Lewis C — 14 Mar 2018

Phantom Thread is Daniel Day-Lewis' proposed final performance of his remarkable career, and what a way to end it. Lewis teams up with renowned director Paul Thomas Anderson to tell the story of a stubborn fashion designer, Reynolds Woodcock in 1954 London.

Woodcock creates dresses for high members of society such as a Belgian princess. This is only part of the story however, as the primary focus of the movie is the relationship between Woodcock and Alma, a waitress he meets at a restaurant on one of his trips to the countryside.

Their relationship develops over the majority of the movie, as Alba goes from a waitress to Woodcock's assistant. The pacing can be a little slow as no major events occur, but the story and setting had me hooked from the beginning.

This speaks to the beautiful visuals of the movie. The film captures 1950's England perfectly, best exemplified with some of the early shots of the countryside and Woodcock's trips in his car.

The music is also very good, attending to the intensity of some particular scenes in general. Woodcock's sister, Cyril Woodcock, played by Lesley Manville is also a strong character. Cyril is Reynold's all-business and no-nonsense sister, who has learned to deal with her brother's stubborn and frustrating personality throughout her life.

The story is a romantic journey of unlikely lovers, who experience power struggles constantly, but eventually learn to respect and appreciate one another for who the other truly is. The final few sequences of the film are arguably the best part, with everything coming together in a perfect way.

The slow pacing may be the only downside for some audience members, but it did not really bother me, as the characters and their complex relationships overcome any issue of pace. Overall, Phantom Thread is a cinematic masterpiece and one of the most enjoyable films of 2017.

What a way for Daniel Day Lewis to end his marvellous acting career.