- Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville
- Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Producers: Paul Thomas Anderson, JoAnne Sellar, Megan Ellison, Daniel Lupi
- Film Format: Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
- Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (DTS 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (DTS 5.1)
- Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
- Region: Region A/1
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Rated: R
- Studio: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
- Release Date: April 10, 2018
- Run Time: 130 minutes
Director Paul Thomas Anderson does not make
simple or easy films, and Phantom Thread
is no exception, defying any simply genre classification. On one hand it has
the feel of classic filmmaking, romantic and full of rich production design and
cinematography. On the other hand, the narrative is unpredictable and unique,
offering a vision of romance that often feels like a dark screwball comedy.
Though the tone is far more serious, this would make a great companion piece to
go with Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love. Both
are movies about deep and sincere love between some of the most unconventional
cinematic couples.
Set in the high
fashion world of 1950’s post-war London, Phantom
Thread starts as a character study of renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock
(Daniel Day Lewis). Although he is romantically paired when the film begins, it
is clear that his focus remains on his career. With a routine set in stone, Reynolds
relies most on his sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville), who is so involved in his
life that she even ends his relationships for him. This pattern and the
direction of the film changes with the arrival of a new hired hand in the
household, Alma (Vicky Krieps).
Alma is far more strong-willed than the women
that Reynolds is accustomed to, and he finds his life and work disrupted by her
presence. At the same time, there is something about Alma that Reynolds cannot
dismiss. They develop a relationship that is unconventional to say the least,
and Alma proves she may be the only one able to handle Reynold’s. Unable to
control Alma and incapable of letting her go, Reynolds must readjust his meticulously
planned life, much to the irritation of his sister.
Although there
is no way to prepare audiences for the unpredictable tone of the film’s
narrative, it only takes a few moments of the film to appreciate the visual
style of the filmmaking. The cinematography is lush and mesmerizing, only
outdone by the production design. The costumes are fittingly immaculate, convincing
the audience of Reynold’s success as a dressmaker. There is actually a sense of
contrast between the perfection in the outward visuals of the world and the internal
turmoil of the characters, leading to an unexpected resolution.
It is also
impossible to talk about Phantom Thread without mentioning the acting. While it
is one of his more subdued performances in recent years, Daniel Day Lewis is fantastic
in his final film role before retiring from acting. But just as impressive are
his female co-stars, each holding their own alongside the multiple Oscar
winner. With minimal dialogue and a nuanced narrative, the performances are often
the film’s greatest asset in conveying the film’s narrative.
The Blu-ray release
of Phantom Thread feels like the necessary
way to view the film, because of the rich visuals brought by the film, but
there is a DVD and a Digital copy included as well. The special features include
a series of camera tests with commentary by Anderson, deleted scenes with music
by the film’s composer, Johnny Greenwood, and a two-minute fashion show with
the costumes of the film. The longest of the extras is a behind-the-scenes featurette
with production photography and demo versions of Greenwood’s score.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 9/10
Historical
Significance: 8/10
Special Features: 7/10
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