Phantom Thread (2017)

Set in 1950's London, Reynolds Woodcock, Daniel Day-Lewis, is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover. Now let me just make you aware of a couple things. First off, this is one of the Oscar nominated films that I watched after the nominations were announced, which I believe makes a difference going in. And also that if it weren't for the 6 noms and this being Daniel Day-Lewis' final film I wouldn't have watched it. 

In general, personally, I'm not keen on period dramas. Being set in the 1950's Phantom Thread has a distinctive style for costume and makeup, especially so due to it it following Woodcock a somewhat compulsive dressmaker. 90% of the film in take place in the one location, his home and workshop, a large victorian style home. Best way to describe the visuals are eggshell. Imagine a clean off white and you've imagined the theme of the film. It was crisp and purposeful, as if mimicking measurements for dresses. The sound was there almost every frame, it was wonderfully edited to silence on occasion. Rightfully nominated for best music this Oscar season. 

Our man Daniel Day-Lewis in what he says is his final film, sounds pretty daunting but he's decided to retire. Well known for his many Oscar acknowledgments (3 nominations and 3 wins) and his method acting so he is of course very good in this. The character is annoying, he's an aged perfectionist that is set in his ways because his ways work and no one has told him otherwise. He lives with his sister, Cyril, played by Lesley Manville is attuned to him and the business. She has a fine balance of pandering to him and keeping him in check, exactly that of a sister, defensive of others but happy to call him out herself. She is powerful and clashes with Alma, Woodcock's new partner, earning herself a Best Supporting Actress nomination. 

Vicky Krieps plays Alma, a waitress become muse for Reynolds Woodcock and his dresses. She is younger and stubborn, wants to open Woodcock up to a slightly different day to day and he does not hide his annoyance to that. She was good, she felt familiar though I haven't seen her in anything else as of yet. She was the most relatable though she was treated like a child. And in fairness when she gets to the end of her tether she behaves as such in punishing Woodcock for his behaviour. She wants him to suffer in a way that means he needs her, she wants a purpose as he so vocally denies it. 

The change of relationship between them, their back and forth, is difficult. You can't quite justify the benefits but they find a way to. No spoilers but the agreement they have in the end is an odd one. Somewhat romantic idea though a bit twisted, didn't fulfill me and my time invested in the story but I imagine a lot of people are happy with it. 

Good send off for Day-Lewis, great big break for Vicky Krieps, deserves most of the Oscar noms. 7/10

CINEMATES - A