Review of Phantom Thread (2017) by Darryl S — 19 Jan 2018

Wow!! This one's a stunner of the highest filmmaking order! The three leads astound! DDL's Woodcock ranks right up there with Plainview (no hyperbole!). And to the two lead actresses: Woah!! (Manville is a stunner!) Everything about this film, from the title's swirling font, to the composition of a scarf hanging on a hook, is precise and exquisite in its visual detail.

The dialog, too, was so fluid and naturally spoken -- not simply actors repeating written screenplay -- as to make one wholly engaged with each character as a "real person." No doubt detractors (esp.

those of the "#MeToo" mind-set) will find Woodcock to be quite a reprehensible monster, not worthy of a minute of interest; a character who would no doubt be torn to shreds in today's Crucible-like zeitgeist.

Point taken. Nonetheless, such are the realities of (some) co-dependent relationships/marriages; sometimes it makes for good character studies. This character study of a push-me-pull-you relationship is a masterpiece! And, too, by far and away, my best film of 2017.

..! :D.