‘Phantom Thread’ is the movie that actor Daniel Day-Lewis
grandly announced as being his final acting role. Whether that’s true
remains to be seen but for now he delivers another excellent performance.
That isn’t too difficult due to the finely written script by writer/director
Paul Thomas Anderson. His work, including ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘There will
be Blood’, have startled audiences. ‘Phantom Thread’ should be no
different. With its exploration of a fashion house in the 1950’s, it is another
engrossing production from a gifted story-teller.
London dressmakers Reynolds (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his
sister Cyril (Leslie Manville) have a distinctive style popular with royalty,
stars and high society. Their fashion house is continually busy with romance
being a constant source of pleasure for Reynolds. Thinking he will forever
remain a bachelor, he is surprised when he meets Alma (Vicky Krieps).
Becoming his muse and lover, Alma’s entrancing allure affect Reynolds
structured life in ways he could never have contemplated.
Although his work demands a lot of viewers, Paul Thomas
Anderson knows how to capture attention. He does this with ease in
‘Phantom Thread’ due to a strong script and powerful performances. Day
Lewis successfully inhabits Reynolds’ arrogant, needy and peculiar
manner. Perhaps that’s why he was cast as Day Lewis creates a complete
character full of genuine human foibles. He understands the many layers
of the dense script with Anderson taking his time to tell the intricate tale.
‘Phantom Thread’ comes into its own with exquisite
production design and elegant score. It perfectly encapsulates the aloof
1950’s surrounds in Reynolds’ world. The superb rendering of the era
allows you to fully invest in the story even if it occasionally drags. Anderson
continues his bad habit of over-emphasising the emotional turmoil of his
characters that dilutes the story’s impact. His drawing out of strong
performances and fantastic attention to detail are first class being evidence
of a film-maker taking care in crafting something unique.
If ‘Phantom Thread’ is truly the final coda in Daniel
Day-Lewis’ career, then he definitely has gone out on top. Conjuring a
memorable persona, his skills will be missed. Thankfully Paul Thomas
Anderson has no plans to retire with his film-making style always intriguing and
refusing to settle for anything less than cinematic perfection.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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