Review of Phantom Thread (2017) by Edwin C — 02 Sep 2018

I have to admit this is the first Paul Thomas Anderson film I watched. So I'm not very familiar with his auteuristic style. But I do know that he likes lingering shots for most scenes. There are a number of shots like that in Phantom Thread.

The story is set in post-war 1950s in London. It stars the legendary god Daniel Day Lewis as a famous dressmaker, Reynolds, who designs dresses for high class society members. He meets a much younger woman named Alma, portrayed by Vicky Krieps, who becomes his muse and lover. The relationship eventually affects his work and lifestyle.

Reynolds is a extremely controlling man, always needs others to obey him and he must always have things going his own way. You have to be extremely silent when you're eating breakfast with him because he finds noise distracting, as he compares the noise to the sound of a horse riding in the room.

Phantom Thread has some pretty realistic quotes that we all can relate to. For one, he's up late working, and Alma comes in to give him a cup of tea, he gets distracted and asks her to leave. She says she'll bring the tea out, and he says "The tea is going out. The interruption is staying right here with me". Surely we can relate to this so much when our parents are disturbing us while doing work.

You'd think a DDL led film will be heavily carried by him but no, he has a great supporting cast in Lesley Manville and Vicky as well. Lesley portrays his sister, Cyril. They have their typical sibling rivalry and love. The only one person Reynolds respects and will never fight with is Cyril, as she says "Don't pick a fight with me, you certainly won't come out alive. I'll go right through you and it'll be you who ends up on the floor.".

The screenplay is perfect. Great dialogue and great performances from the cast. It may be DDL"s final film but he went out with a blast. One of his greater performances. Now I need to watch more of PTA's other films. Phantom Thread definitely deserves a spot in the Best Picture nomination.

Favourite Quote: I don't like confrontations, I simply have no time for confrontations.