For a long time, next to nothing was known aboutPhantom Thread.
It seems to exist under glass.
Once again, Day-Lewis goes deep and has clearly done his homework.
Credit: Laurie Sparham/Focus Features
The 60-year-old actor doesnt seem to know any other way.
In an era of tin-plated movie stars, the world of cinema will miss him.
But Im not sure he will look back and be glad he went out on this film.
Hes like a cross between Christian Dior and General George Patton.
In his company, one butters their breakfast toast and stirs their tea at their own peril.
He needs a new muse.
And he finds inspiration in the most unlikely of places.
Her name is Alma, and he thinks that she has…something.
Her measurements are important, to be sure.
But she also seems to possess a mysterious air of hauteur that belies her seemingly modest circumstances.
Reynolds strikes up a forward and flirty conversation with her and invites her to dinner that night.
Then he brings her to his studio and fits her for an evening gown.
His own chaste form of seduction and conquest.
The movie seems to breathe ether instead of oxygen.
As their courtship develops, the headstrong Alma moves in with Reynolds and his snippy sister.
She refuses to play the role of a mute mannequin.
She has opinions and strong ones.
But deep down, he comes to realize that she cares about his art as much as he does.
He needs her just as much, if not more, than she needs him.
Anderson isnt exactly exploring untrammeled territory.
But Day-Lewis elevates this overworked thematic cliche into something unforgettably his own.
No other actor does quite what he does as well as he does it.
Still, its a relief to seePhantom Threadshift gears from too-tame to torrid and twisted.
You may even find yourself leaning forward in your seat, saying under your breath:Okay, finally!
