Review of Phantom Thread (2017) by Kaustav — 16 Feb 2018

If I could I would instantly tell rate a 10; but that would mean that it's a flawless movie and everything in it is already of such an elevated standard, that it just won't be topped. But I, objectively, can't do that because it would be a bit unfair to classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane.

Honestly though, I can't say I found any faults in this movie. It's Paul Anderson's work and I already consider his Magnolia one of my must watch movies (and there was quirky AF and weird enjoyable story of Boogie Nights). It stars Daniel Day Lewis, the man who effortlessly time again slipped into so many characters and brought into narration in such a glorious way that it leaves all of us glad about cinema. And the supporting couple of Manville and Krieps are almost are as good at bringing the best out of the interactions amongst the trio as the subtle and upheaving score that hums, a bit like a phantom indeed.

There's the rating, the acting, the cast and obviously, by now, you are most likely convinced. So, here's a right proper nudge in the direction of why south of two hours of your life's time is absolutely well spent on this: It is because Phantom Thread is one of most unlikely sort of biographical story and antitheticlally, the most personal sort of biography possible. It is the story of a man who was known for his work but what really needs to be told about him is who he was and how he behaved, why he was perturbed and how it comes to a beautiful tumble down for him. While Phantom Thread is a movie on the life of Reynolds Woodcock, who sew the best for the best to wear, but the title of the movie is almost a beguiling pun; for it is the phantom threads of His life that really get unwinded in this superlative act of storytelling.

I hope I have helped somewhat in making up your mind. And if you don't want to, 'you should eff off back to wherever you came from'.