Review of Phantom Thread (2017) by Lorena M — 18 Feb 2018
The first three-quarters of Phantom Thread is, in a word, dainty. And thank god we have the final fourth of the film because without it, this movie would have felt like navigating an overpacked room full of perilously-placed crystal sculptures.
Until the home stretch, everything in this film feels so fragile that it might break at any moment. And perhaps, that's the point and why things end so satisfyingly for the viewer. Paul Thomas Anderson is an incredible director with a fascinating mix of films under his belt (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, Inherent Vice, The Master) and this is adds to an impressive resume.
Really, it expands upon it with its aforementioned daintiness, something not seen before from PTA. Supposedly, this is Daniel Day-Lewis' last film (I hope not) and he is predictably spectacular. Vicky Krieps and Leslie Manville both shine, too.
Though, I felt Krieps deserved a nomination rather than Manville. All the beauty and suffocating sophistication through the movie - brought to life by an saccharine-sweet, piano-driven score - is entirely worth it when Krieps and Day-Lewis' relationship finally begins to gain definition and layers.
Their chemistry is palpable and again, I was so thankful that this story blended in the dark to balance the light, the sour to counteract the sweet. Despite the lucrative payoff, its length and occasionally-pretentious tone do not allow for a film of repeat viewing.
It lands firmly in the middle of the pack this year.
This review of Phantom Thread (2017) was written by Lorena M on 18 Feb 2018.
Phantom Thread has generally received very positive reviews.
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