I haven't seen all of Paul Thomas Anderson films, but I loved those I've seen (Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood). Also, though I'm not a fan of him, I really like Daniel Day-Lewis's performances. Those are the two reasons I was really looking forward to seeing Phantom Thread. Maybe it was the high expectations, the fact is Anderson's latest film left me a little disappointed. It's not a bad film, but I was expecting more.
In 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) is a renowned dressmaker who, along with his devoted sister (Lesley Manville), creates dresses for the high society. Also, he's an asshole. He has a habit of using women and dropping them when he gets bored of them. Then one day, he meets Alma (Vicky Krieps), a waitress who soon becomes his muse and lover and will disrupt his life.
And without spoiling anything about the plot, I'll say that Anderson made some sort of phantom film. The story is unevenly engaging, being very interesting one moment and rather tedious and almost unbearable the one after that. It's the kind of story that needs to take sinister turns to be really effective but Anderson never goes fully into it and the result is a story that doesn't stick with you long after the film is over. And that's a real shame considering how much potential it had.
The script though isn't a complete misfire. Anderson indeed did a great job with the characters. There's nothing likeable about them, it's impossible to sympathize with any of them --one is an eccentric and controlling old man, the other a manipulative sociopath-- and it's quite hard to understand their motives, but their development is actually good and the characterization is impressive.
Quite interesting is the contrast between the two lovers, Reynolds and Alma. Reynolds is considered a genius in his field --he is a sort of movie-version of Sheldon Cooper. He is passionate and creative, but so controlled at the same time. He has a regular, monotonous life, in other words, he follows a pattern and he likes it that way. Alma, on the other hand, she doesn't follow any pattern, she believes that there's much more to life than monotony. It's the difference between them that makes the film interesting. Their love story, however, doesn't feel very genuine.
The performances are good, especially Lesley Manville's as Woodcock's demanding, stoic but well-mannered sister --the most interesting character in the movie-- and Vicky Krieps's as Alma. Hers was my favourite performance to be honest because she managed to capture the vulnerability, sadness and confidence of the character very well. Daniel Day-Lewis's, on the other hand, is a little overrated in my opinion. He gives a good perfomrance, but he didn't blow my mind.
There are a few things that really stick with you about Phantom Thread. The gorgeous costumes, the elegant settings, the excellent cinematography and the beautiful musical score. These are the elements that give the film the right, angsted tones.
The script though isn't a complete misfire. Anderson indeed did a great job with the characters. There's nothing likeable about them, it's impossible to sympathize with any of them --one is an eccentric and controlling old man, the other a manipulative sociopath-- and it's quite hard to understand their motives, but their development is actually good and the characterization is impressive.
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| Focus Features, Universal Pictures |
The performances are good, especially Lesley Manville's as Woodcock's demanding, stoic but well-mannered sister --the most interesting character in the movie-- and Vicky Krieps's as Alma. Hers was my favourite performance to be honest because she managed to capture the vulnerability, sadness and confidence of the character very well. Daniel Day-Lewis's, on the other hand, is a little overrated in my opinion. He gives a good perfomrance, but he didn't blow my mind.
There are a few things that really stick with you about Phantom Thread. The gorgeous costumes, the elegant settings, the excellent cinematography and the beautiful musical score. These are the elements that give the film the right, angsted tones.
This one was so weird. I liked it though, PTA really is an amazing director.
ReplyDeleteHe really is!
DeleteI have to see this film but i do like the director and i am a fan of Daniel Day Lewis ever since I saw him in The Incredible Lightness of Being. I bet he is one of these actors whom you don't want to act with because he knows he is good and has that pretentious air about him.
ReplyDeleteI too think he's that kind of actor. He suits the character he plays here very well.
DeleteI enjoyed the hell out of this film as it was different but also had this unique idea of what an artist does when he creates as well as the things he needs to find inspiration. It's a complicated film but it's what I would often expect from PT Anderson which is why he's one of my favorite filmmakers. He always finds something new to do and to challenge himself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you loved it. PTA isn't one of my favorite filmmakers but he is arguably a great one.
DeleteI film di PTA vanno elaborati con calma, è un cinema dal sapore antico (che in questo caso si rifà esplicitamente alla Hollywood degli anni '50) e che "stridono" un po' nel cinema "veloce" e consumistico di oggi... questo film tecnicamente rasenta la perfezione, mentre per assimilarlo al meglio occorre rifletterci. Mi ha ricordato molto "The Master", con il rapporto morboso e malsano tra i due protagonisti. E' un film che fa riflettere sulla forza dell'amore e l'inutilità del (finto) cinismo, e dimostra quanto la passione può essere dirompente e pericolosa, specie per chi non è abituato a controllarla. Scusa la prolissità, ma questo film mi ha preso proprio cuore e anima :)
ReplyDeleteNon c'è nessun bisogno di scusarsi. Anzi, i tuoi commenti sono sempre quelli che preferisco. Non ho visto The Master ma se mi capita lo guardo.
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