Phantom Thread isn't the movie you think it's going to be

Movie Title:      Phantom Thread

Grade:  A-

Rating: R, 130 minutes

In a Nutshell:  With gorgeous shots and images, this stylish film by Focus Features showcases glamour, fashion, romance, and a fantastic Daniel Day-Lewis.  

On June 20, 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis said that this is his last film, which would be a terrible loss to all of us.  He’s absolutely fantastic.  As an added bonus, both Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville are equal to his performance.

As of today, this interesting film has been nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including “Best Picture.”  It has already won the National Board of Review" award for best original screenplay.

                                       

Tips for parents: 

• Alma wears some sheer fabric that reveals her chest.
• Quite a few F-bombs, but no other profanity.
• Most children and teens will be bored out of their minds.
• Pre-marital relations

Uplifting theme: 

• “It’s comforting to think the dead are watching over the living.  I don’t find that spooky at all.” -  Reynolds (Daniel Day-Lewis)
• The give and take required in a relationship.
• We are most tender and vulnerable when we're sick.  In fact, director Paul Thomas Anderson got the idea for this film when he was sick in bed. His wife, comedienne Maya Rudolph, was taking care of him and he realized she hadn't looked at him with such love in a long time.

                                        

Things I liked:

• The musical score was noticeably beautiful.  Johnny Greenwood’s work really enhances the movie.
• Incredible attention to detail. 
• It’s very subtle.
• You think the movie is going in one direction, but then it surprisingly changes with one major choice by a character.
• There are several interesting scenes where Woodcock illustrates that the dresses are not simply garments, but a lifestyle and that the wearer must earn the privilege of being seen in them.
• It’s fascinating to watch how Reynolds’ sister and Alma handle his eccentricities in two entirely different ways.
• The title refers to several things in the film.  There is a “phantom” in Reynolds' life who serves as one of his muses.  Reynolds sews secret messages and items into the clothing.  And finally, the seamstresses who work for him all day and night get no glory, although they do most of the actual work.
• Critics have mixed feelings about director Paul Thomas Anderson, but they all generally agree that he did a great job on this film, creating a meticulous movie with a surprising twist.
• The dresses are beautiful.  Supposedly, Reynolds' character was inspired by fashion designer Balenciaga.  
• Daniel Day-Lewis was the one who suggested his character's name.  It made director Paul Thomas Anderson laugh so hard that he used it.  Together, they wrote the script.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s slow moving.
• It leaves you with an odd taste in your mouth…so to speak.

Interesting lines:

• Whatever you do, do it carefully.” – Alma (Vicky Krieps)
• “There is an air of quiet death about this house and I do not like the way it smells.” – Mr. Woodcock
• "The tea is going out.  The interruption is staying right here with me." - Mr. Woodcock

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