Daniel Day-Lewis. One of the best actors in history. Period. It is melancholy to see a great actor retire because we rarely have any actors/actresses dedicated to his craft by forming his character, staying in character (method acting), choose consistently solid projects, work with fantastic directors, etc. You can look at his filmography and you cannot select one bad performance. Now, for his final movie, he is working with director Paul Thomas Anderson for the second time after their collaboration in the masterful There Will Be Blood. I am not a big fan of period dramas because I feel like sometimes the characters are going through the motions, however, I did not see an aspect of a story coming and the movie becomes so twisted that it becomes psychologically fascinating and riveting despite the movie being a tad overlong.
In 1950s London, a renowned fashion designer named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) makes outfits for upper class citizens and socialites, having established the House of Woodcock with his sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville). Reynolds is so immersed into his work that he does not pay attention to others, especially his first girlfriend. Reynolds and Cyril think about their mother, whom the former considered as an inspiration.
While out at breakfast, Reynolds meets a waitress, Alma (Vicky Krieps), and he quickly becomes attracted to her. He courteously invites her to dinner, which she accepts. Reynolds brings Alma home to use her as a model for a dress. Alma meets Cyril and even though Cyril likes her, she does critique a couple aspects about her body but Reynolds compliments about another aspect. As their relationship start to evolve, Reynolds starts to treat Alma the same way as everyone else. She makes noises like scalping butter onto the toast loudly and Reynolds scolds her for why she is doing that since it distracts him from his work. She even questions why he acts the way he does. The movie starts to become a chess match.
There is a moment in the movie where the story becomes twisted and fascinating than your typical romance where it becomes psychologically violent to the point that one will be near death. However, what does the title "phantom thread" mean? As I observe watching Reynolds sewing up the dress, he sews in what he pictures as he gives his creation and the person wearing his creation life. It is probably a log line of compliments from other people who gazes at that marvelous creation. But, what is more enriching is that even though Reynolds is a professional, the "phantom thread" could be a figment of his imagination of his future with Alma. He cannot seem to balance his personal and business life because he is so centered on his work that the relationship between Alma and Reynolds becomes emotionally abusive.
I am very impressed that Day-Lewis selected this role as his last because he does not disappear into heavy makeup like he did with Lincoln or blend in with a wig or a heavy accent like Gangs of New York or There Will Be Blood. Adding on to those excellent performances, this is another gem because even though he portrays a seemingly mean-spirited character, he adds charm and vulnerability enough to make you care for him. Vicky Krieps does a splendid job going toe-to-toe with Day-Lewis as her character does not becomes a one-dimensional woman wanting attention. If you pay close attention to the setting, she is finding a voice in a pre-feminist era. She wants Reynolds to balance both his work and his relationship, maybe, family life, otherwise their whole lives will become non-existent, like phantom thread. Lesley Manville is dynamic as her devilish and cold stares gives you a nervous tic as she gives a Master Class performance. She is basically us as the audience if you think about it as we witness what is going on with Alma and Reynolds.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson takes his time to get to the meat of the story as we observes the slow build-up to the relationship and then observe how Reynolds' life is shown on-screen from the perspective of another person. If I were to theorize, maybe Alma's decision to change their relationship could parallel that times are changing in the world in the 50s or a start to change. It is a bit pretentious yes, but, it is chilling. 2017 was a great year for scores and I have to add Jonny Greenwood's score into the mix as it is again, weird but beautiful. I dock the movie a couple of points as it is a bit long in certain scenes however, even though the build-up is slow and a bit interesting but it is the second half that will engage you as to how you feel towards the end. Will you be satisfied or angry? I was a bit of both. But, I'm truly satisfied that Daniel Day-Lewis ended on a high note as he rides off into the sunset. Take a bow, Mr. Day-Lewis.
***1/2
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