PHANTOM THREAD – Film Review
Sir Paul Thomas Anderson gifts us with yet another masterpiece.
Phantom Thread is a film that illustrates a unique perspective of love; a love so sweet and cruel that is shaped and manipulated by the fragile threads of each character’s hearts.
A story between fashion and romance whispered with such delicacy that only the medium of film can convey.
Like a feather flying away. You’d never wonder where it’s coming from, instead, you stare at its hypnotic movements. It only takes one head turn to discover a dying bird. They call it “the calm after the storm”.
The film’s characters played respectively by acting legend Daniel Day-Lewis and revelation actress Vicky Krieps, talk and move just like feathers in the wind, with such hush that could only come from restless souls.
The more silence, the more each line will signify. The long takes, the more each short take will signify. We’re hanging on every word, every take, every note, leaving us breathless, like the pain of first love. A method masterfully used by Anderson to manipulate the audience, most probably inspired by the likes of Stanley Kubrick.
Yet “Phantom Thread” has all a film should have. Strong lead performances, a superb original screenplay, neat cinematography, not to forget the costume design either which perfectly depicts the 50s post-war London ambience. All of this, embraced by Greenwood’s transcendental and sublime score that will stay with you long after the cinema shuts down and everybody goes home.
It’s indeed a rare, rare feeling. Leaving the screen speechless and yet, your head is spinning. Even the world outside the picture house seems more flattering than usual.
An intimate film of cinematic splendour that gives a new meaning to elegance.
“Whatever you do, do it carefully.”
