Members reviews voted most helpful
A Fascinating Character Study
- Phantom Thread review by PT
(5) of (6) members found this review helpful.
If you're looking for action forget it, this is a character based drama, with most of the action taking place within the sumptuous house. Having said that, it is a fascinating film.
Reynolds Woodstock is a dressmaker, his trade learnt from his deceased mother, whom he constantly misses. He has no idea how to treat other women in his life though. Early on we get a glimpse of his behaviour towards women with his current lady friend, whom his toady sister ( brilliantly played by Lesley Manville) offers to give marching orders to, as she knows when her brother has had enough of his current fancy. This gives the impression that this abuse, in the form of mental abuse displayed by Reynolds is a regular occurrence.
He then meets a waitress whom he takes for his new lady companion, namely Alma, played by Vicky Krieps in an impressive role. Alma at first becomes another sycophantic lover, bending to all Reynolds ridicolous whims. Of course, this total obedience is not enough and Reynolds starts to grow tired of his latest conquest. Alma will have to change the game or follow the fate of his previous partners.
There is a hint of mental illness in Reynolds character, perhaps in the form of OCD. Daniel Day Lewis is superb as Reynolds, an arrogant, totally selfish, rude, in short, complete pig of a man.
This film is another wonderful collaboration between the highly talented director and actor. It does not quite reach the absolute classic heights of their first teaming up for the masterpiece ,There Will Be Blood, which I thought was Anderson's and Lewis's greatest work. Nonetheless, a fine film, which I will definitely watch again when it is released on DVD.
A strange, disturbing film
- Phantom Thread review by IF
(1) of (1) members found this review helpful.
Vicky Kreips is apparently a German movie star little known in UK/US. She holds the film together, in the unlikely role of ingenue/ poisoner! A strange film, that looks good, but doesn't give a lot away as to where it is going, which turns out to be not a very good place in the end. Don't expect light hearted romance!
A Look Into A Private World
- Phantom Thread review by JP
(1) of (2) members found this review helpful.
Meet Mr. Woodcock, brilliantly acted by Daniel Day Lewis. His is not a regular life we often see. Beautifully set in London of the 1950's, dress designer Woodcock meets his match in a waitress named Alma. The entire cast is perfect, and I highly recommend this film which, hopefully, will not turn out to be Mr. Lewis' last.
Recent reviews by members
A strange dark movie
- Phantom Thread review by TP
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
I loved the look of this film and it captures the atmosphere of a time and the world of high fashion magnificently. That said, ultimately this is not what the film is about, instead it explores the nature of a dark and abusive relationship between two people. I can't say this is an easy watch as neither of the main protagonists are easy to empathise with but perhaps that the director was striving for.
Daniel's swan song?
- Phantom Thread review by NC
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
DDL is great actor. No question. The girl in film, is a match. Lesley, the sister, is brilliant. The film is a bit pedestrian, and one tends to lose empathy with the characters, and how they live their lives. That was the day, but does not save the film.
Shame if this is DDL's last performance.
For Daniel Day Lewis addicts only
- Phantom Thread review by NR
(0) of (1) members found this review helpful.
This is one of the least plausible or convincing films I have seen for a long time. At first glance it looks very beautiful - as you would expect - but the feebleness of the plot is matched only by the stilted, two-dimensional acting of the principals. This may not be their fault - the script is risible - but it does not make for a good film. If you want endless close-up shots of Day Lewis (and he is handsome enough), it is perhaps worth watching. Otherwise, ignore it.
