The Meticulous Artistry of Phantom Thread by film writer/critic Jared Watson

Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 masterpiece The Phantom Thread is an enigmatic puzzle that evolves with each subsequent viewing. A story of romance that hides something ominous under its surface. A tale of mystery, filled to the brim with restrained comedy.

In his final performance, the now retired (or is he?!) Daniel Day Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a highly regarded couturier with an overbearing and controlling personality. A dress designer, not just to the stars, but to royalty. A rockstar in his own right. A powerhouse of fashion in 1950's London.

After splitting ways with his former muse, it is suggested by his sister Cyril (Leslie Manville) that he travel to the countryside to take a few days off. During his stay, he meets a waitress named Alma (Vicky Krieps) and asks her to dinner. He then invites her back home to be his muse, and eventual lover.

Reynolds comes to find that Alma's strong will clashes with his domineering persona, and struggles to reconcile this. Tempers flare and tensions rise as the tale unfolds leading to an explosive third act with some unexpected twists and turns. To call this love story unconventional would be an understatement.

It has been theorized (though not confirmed to this writer’s knowledge) that the movie is a cleverly smuggled autobiography of writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson’s own love affair/marriage/long term relationship with fellow creative powerhouse, the actor and comedienne, Maya Rudolph.

This movie also continues Anderson’s current phase of filmmaking in which a classic movie serves as the partial catalyst for the current movie. Anderson has been very vocal about how John Huston’s The Treasure of the Sierra Madre helped shape his own There Will Be Blood. And Huston’s documentary There Will Be Light about traumatized WWII vets was a partial inspiration to The Master. Here, intimations of Hitchcock’s only Best Picture winner Rebecca pulse throughout the movie as an absent female figure, Woodcock’s Mother, looms and informs almost all of his emotional decisions.

With costumes designed by academy award winner Mark Bridges, and cinematography by the director himself, this film is such a treat to look at. The score only compliments the visuals with a soundtrack by Johnny Greenwood. The performances are absolutely top notch across the board. Phantom Thread is easily in this critic's top 10, and it is highly suggested that you check it out as soon as you can.

Jared Watson is a moviemaker, writer, and avid cinefile. Check out his work: https://www.ridgeviewdrive.com/