Phantom Thread

       Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film marks his second collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis. Set in the fashion world of London in the 1950's, Mr. Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a renowned designer and dressmaker to royalty and the stars of the day.

        Woodcock is a confirmed bachelor (by his own words) too caught up in his work for a real relationship. Women come through his life as temporary muses and once he tires of one, moves on to the next. The only constant female in his life is his protective sister, Cyril, play by Lesley Manville. One day he meets Alma, played by Vicky Krieps, and once she enters his world, she becomes more than he expected and real love enters and disrupts his meticulous life.

         The film is gorgeous to look at, from the production value to the costumes and dress designs, it is exquisite. Mr. Day-Lewis is superb as always, giving himself over completely to the role of a perfectionist artist. Ms. Krieps more than holds her own in all their scenes together. The thread bare plot is about obsession, control and what happens when perfection is compromised by love. The relationship between Alma and Woodcock becomes a game of control, bordering on madness, with mutual love at stake.

          Flowing like a soft fabric in a light breeze, the film is quiet and orderly.  Woodcock's conservative and buttoned-up nature provides some unexpected comic relief with many a memorable line or expression. Mr. Anderson treats his film like the most delicate of lace and reveals his layers slowly and methodically.  It is a film more of style than substance, save for watching a master actor in what is rumored to be his last role.