Reel Dialogue: 4.5 stars
'Whatever you do, do it carefully.'
During the 1950’s, the world of high fashion was influenced most by the work in the couture houses throughout Europe. Names like Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga and Coco Chanel delivered enviable designs for the rich and famous from around the world. These designers became synonymous with the elite, and many of them still influence the world of fashion. The exclusive community of couture fashion is the atmosphere that Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) writes and directs his latest creation about The House of Woodcock with Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln) in the title role and designer of Reynolds Woodcock.
Woodcock is at the forefront of fashion and has built a reputation that draws royalty, socialites and film stars to his front door. Women are the centrepiece of his work and inspire him to achieve new designs that mesmerise the world. Despite his eccentricities and passions, many of these women also play a more personal role in his life. Like the pages of his sketchbooks, these beautiful women motivate him to create but become just as disposable after he tires of them. Until a young waitress from the country named Alma (Vicky Krieps) quietly enters into his life and business. Their relationship begins with a mixture of pleasure and creative revelation until she becomes more of an integral part of all aspects of his life.
The combined works of Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis are a fascinating study of two artists who have carved out a unique niche within their crafts. Anderson as an innovative writer and director who has delivered some of this century’s most celebrated films and Day-Lewis as one of the most renowned, but reclusive actors in history. Their work on There Will Be Blood is considered by many both to be their best works, and this winning trend continues in Phantom Thread.
The masterful writing, direction and acting come together to provide one of the most contemplative and alluring cinematic experiences this year. Anderson has written rich characters that have a subtle depth and drive that draw the viewer into this world of fashion and family. Despite some of the disturbing antics of the central characters and their twisted relationship, there is very little to critique in his writing. Capitalising on excellent visual timing and magnificent performances from his lead actors, this shows the superior skills afforded this lesser known director.
Combined with the deftness of the craft from Lewis, Krieps and Lesley Manfield as Cyril Woodcock, it is difficult to find a fault in this production. Lewis operates at a level beyond compare in the thespian realm, but he has been afforded an unrivalled and unassuming match with Vicky Krieps. Her work with this master craftsman is exemplary, and she can hold her own as the catalyst for change in The House of Woodcock. Along with Krieps, the role of Reynold’s sister played by Manfield is another example of how each aspect of the script and casting are sewn together into a beautiful and fashionable cinematic creation.
Phantom Thread can find its comparison in the couture dresses shown throughout the film. This is a film that is designed for the film aficionado who can truly appreciate the masterful touch of each detail that is expressed by a true master at his craft. Anderson, Kreips and Lewis should all be acknowledged and celebrated for their work on this work of art.
REEL DIALOGUE: Control?
Control: It is a word that we strive to maintain in all areas of our lives, but the harder we attempt to hold onto it, the more likely it will elude our grasp. Phantom Thread is a lesson in how control can seem within our reach, but how it can quickly be lost.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
With this philosophical consideration, the question is what part of our lives do we control and how do we keep it from becoming chaotic or infuriating? We can do all we can to put the best parameters in place for the sake of maintaining our sanity in life, but inevitably the unexpected will occur. This is why it is better to put your life into the hands of God who has all things squarely under his control. We do not take our hands off the wheel of our lives, but power really needs to be given over to God. Allowing for his authority to occur in your life affords a position of celebration and praise in good times as well as solace in times of difficulty. We are part of the process of living our lives, but ultimate control is really in the hands of the one who created all things.
How do you explore this in more details? Contact City Bible Forum
