Fun
Phantom Thread
Dear Kay,
Now that son David is on hand here at Quarantine Acres, I have an endless stream of movie recommendations to draw on. The lad keeps a running list of movies he has watched. A regular Roger Ebert, I’m telling you.
This week’s surprise was a movie I would not have guessed David would like: Phantom Thread, from 2017. The director, Paul Thomas Anderson, is known for an eclectic mix of movies: Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, Punch-Love Drunk, and The Master.
This is exactly my cup of Aeropress coffee. (There is now an Aeropress at our house. The coffee talk has gone off the chain around here.)
Daniel Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a fashion designer in 1950s London—a controlling man who finds a new muse in a waitress he meets in a restaurant. Who will win this battle of wills? There’s plenty of Hitchcockian obsession in here, as well as some of the slowest scenes imaginable. The couture: outstanding. The seamstresses: long suffering. The sister: villain or supervillain?
Ravishing costumes, settings, and no end of psychological mischief. Daniel Day-Lewis said this was to be his final performance before retiring. It’s yet another subtle, brilliant performance from this actor. I’m off on a wallow through his other movies. What a genius.
See how to stream Phantom Thread here.
Love,
Ann
IMO his best films are either “my left foot” or “in the name of the father” they’re both incredibly moving and his performance leaves you emotionally devastated. I will have a look for this film to watch with my daughter who will soon be going to college to study textiles and fashion.
Your daughter might change her mind after watching this! I admit that I do not have a sufficiently subtle mind to really enjoy this, though I certainly agree that the acting is amazing. Kept thinking about the fact that Day-Lewis is said to inhabit his characters 24/7 while making a movie–this one must have been tough for his family!
I will have to have A look at this one!
A friend had recommended this movie to me because I sew. Too funny! As if sewing had anything to do with the film! But the couture! But Daniel Day-Lewis, the decor, the slowness, the subtlety… thank you for reminding me of watching it again!
An interesting and haunting performance and tale. Highly recommended.
Ann, DDL is smoking hot in Last of the Mohicans. A different side of him that I enjoyed. ; ) Good soundtrack too.
Completely accurate.
Agree!
Aeropress makes the BEST coffee and so low tech. I agree with Laura J re: Last Of the Mohicans! (“Stay alive! I will find you!” swoon)