Rent Phantom Thread (2017)

A Fascinating Character Study - Phantom Thread review by PT

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.

For Daniel Day Lewis addicts only - Phantom Thread review by NR

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.

Daniel's swan song? - Phantom Thread review by NC

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.

really not worth the stars - Phantom Thread review by Ernie

first the acting is good, BUT there is no real plot in so much as this is effectively a video diary that partially documents the characters. If you like that sort of thing go for it otherwise ignore the average mark and avoid it.

This is a superlative example of modern film. - Phantom Thread review by DW

Unhurried & understated, this is a fascinating story of love & dependency. The plot line is easy to accept as being realistic whilst absorbing. I'm glad I ignored the negative reviews.

Worth Watching - Phantom Thread review by JH

Set in the late 1950s/early 60s, this is a fascinating study of a man (Reynolds) played by the mesmerising Daniel Day Lewis, who has reached the heights of his field in dress design and high end fashion. He is a bachelor and lives in a smart house in London with his unmarried sister (Cyril) played with immense self-control by Leslie Manville. Though Reynolds is interested in the opposite sex he has never given himself sufficient time, or attention to develop a long lasting relationship. In fact he is so rapt up in himself, and the memories of his mother who taught him his craft, that he finds the ordinary, everyday characteristics and peccadilloes of the women around him, to be excruciatingly irritating. When he meets a young, attractive waitress with the figure of a model he falls for her immediately. Her persona is unassuming and naive. He takes her to his family's country house and begins designing clothes for her. They become lovers and partners but after a while Reynolds begins to find fault with her and that her presence is hampering his ability to work. He tries to enlist his sister to help him end relationship with Alma. However Alma is not going to be cowered by them and it is apparent she has a determined side which is a match for Reynolds (and his sister's) controlling ways. She is in love with Reynolds and determined to get him to commit himself and to need her. It becomes apparent that she is developing a Munchhausen's trait and uses this to exercise complete power over her man. This is a long, slow film but well worth watching. In fact I did so twice before returning the DVD.

More exciting watching paint dry! - Phantom Thread review by MC

Truly awful, nothing film. No purpose whatsoever just a pay day for the actors. One of the worst films I've ever endured!

Bored me to tears - Phantom Thread review by RP

Really could not be bothered, tried for and hour then gave up, my wife persevered to then end but she was not impressed.

A Look Into A Private World - Phantom Thread review by JP

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.

A strange, disturbing film - Phantom Thread review by IanF

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 strange dark movie - Phantom Thread review by TP

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.

How disappointing - Phantom Thread review by JM

I wanted to watch this as Daniel Day Lewis is one of the world's greatest actors and so I assumed it would be an interesting film.

However, I don't know why he chose to take the role. It is nothing compared to his past films, an absolutely pointless plot. Not even sumptuous by Hollywood standards, like a low budget British austerity B movie. Immediately forgettable.

I can see how some people might love this...but I hated it! - Phantom Thread review by Champ

This is a well made film, with great performances throughout. However, I had not the slightest interest in any of the characters, or anything they did, and came to actively dislike them all by the end of the film. I can understand that some might enjoy it, but the Daniel Day Lewis character is so appalling, and not remotely sympathetic, that I actively wanted him to die (spoiler: he doesn't; I was dissappointed).

50 Shades ball park - Phantom Thread review by HM

An obsessive male personality (a dress maker to the stars and royalty) recruits a female muse to replace a previous one and relies on his PA who is a mother substitute. He keeps said muse at an emotional platonic distance so he can enjoy companionship but only on his terms. Can she get to him as she loves him dearly etc? Well it took 75 minutes for me to realise that as there are only so many plots in film land, this is actually a version of 50 shades of grey.

Basically the main character is a stereotype of certain homosexual designers of real life to my mind and skilfully played by Lewis. Is he gay? Is he just a psychologically damaged mummy's boy. I found it engaging and fun to find out. Will you? Well if you like psychological dramas you will. Definitely worth a watch.

Had to give up after an hour - Phantom Thread review by CM

Had great hopes for this film but sadly they came to nothing ...... I was bored to tears and even the wonderful Lesley Manville couldn't this production .... it was indulgent and dare I say it purely for DDL fans who may like to just look at him ...... I literally could have fallen asleep watching this.

Slow and interesting - Phantom Thread review by JK

This does keep you engaged and interested and there is a poignancy about how the great fashion haut courture houses began to fall from fashion with the onset of the 1960's and how people deal with change (or not).

The power shift was also subtle and well thought out,stretching throughout the film.

Impressive return to form for PTA - Phantom Thread review by PB

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of modern cinema's great auteurs, however I felt that his last few movies (The Master, and Inherent Vice) were rambling, directionless and frankly pretentious, and had lost the charm and flair of his earlier films. Phantom Thread fortunately represents a return to form for PTA, and an impressive final performance from Daniel Day Lewis.

The storyline is essentially a sort of twisted romance set amongst the world of 1950s fashion, and this is a world away from the sort of light, fluffy romances Hollywood produces. This is PTA playing with the genre and creating something dark and wonderful.

The score is very much worth mentioning too. Modern film score is largely just noise these days, but Jonny Greenwood manages to bring an old fashioned beauty and charm to the music. The film has a surprising amount of score in it, which adds a lot to the feel and atmosphere.

This isn't up there with PTA's greats - There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia, but it's still a cut well above most other movies and well worth a watch.

Original and Finely crafted - Phantom Thread review by JR

The film is as finely crafted as one of Reynolds' dresses. Care and attention has been paid to every frame; the locations, the sound, the cinematography, and the music are all perfect. The acting is superb - Day Lewis' performance is detailed, nuanced and and completely absorbing to watch.

Performance to Retire on - Phantom Thread review by KW

A fascinating performance from Daniel Day Lewis on what is reported to be his swan song from film making, ably supported by Lesley Manville as his sister. I was not sure about the lead female actor Vicky Krieps, something made me feel that at time she was just going through the motions. For a film about high fashion it kept me interested, but not one I could whole heartedly recommend.

masterly performances - Phantom Thread review by OP

Great atmospheric film, with wonderful musical score and fabulous fashion. Daniel Day-Lewis performance is first class and he stands out as the wonderful actor that he is, and I hope also (like a previous reviewer) that this is not his last film