Have you ever examined a spool of thread? You follow the thread around its spool, line after line, turn after turn, gazing at its perfect uniformity. The slightest disturbance, a speck of dust perhaps, disrupts the flow of the thread. Each line of the condensed cotton, uniformly following the other with machine-like precision, each strand dependent on the piece next to it to make up the tightly wound collection of cotton. Imagine further, once the spool is destined to be used, how it is laid out in preparation, having been selected to perfectly bring together the garment being made. Then imagine, the spool falls to the floor, maybe tumbling down a flight of stairs or bouncing down on the carpet; the strands explode from their homogeneity becoming tangled as they travel through their unexpected journey. Finally, when the spool hits the baseboard, the thread rests, a disorganized heap of its former self. Eventually, someone who cares enough will wind the thread around the spool once again, twisting and turning until reaching the end of the line. This time, though, the spool won't be as neat or tightly wound, it never could be after such a disturbance. The machine-like quality of the previous configuration now visibly altered by another person, much like the well-orchestrated life of a fastidious dressmaker.
Paul Thomas Anderson weaves a modern-day masterpiece with his 2017 feature Phantom Thread. Showcasing the intimate details of the life of a renowned dressmaker, Reynolds Woodcock. Dressing the most elite and prestigious of Britain, Woodcock has every aspect of his life firmly entrenched in routines and order. Balancing between dressing actresses, heiresses, and royalty, Woodcock, with the unwavering support from his sister Cyril, (Lesley Manville) maintains a rigorous schedule, keeping himself in high demand. Maintaining a life as ordered and tightly wound as that spool of thread, Reynolds is used to getting his way in every aspect. A consummate bachelor, Reynolds is used to having muses rather than partners. Muses that can be easily disposed of once Reynolds is through with them being a fixture in his life. One such a muse is what he expected when he met Alma (Vicky Krieps) but for once in his life, Reynolds grossly underestimated who he was dealing with, and actually found the person that would disrupt his carefully commanded life like a falling spool of thread.
Phantom Thread is a perfect film. Clearly wound by a visionary filmmaker, the impact of Phantom Thread only intensifies upon repeat viewings. I drove an hour away to see Paul Thomas Anderson's film, and I couldn't have been more enchanted by what I saw. Well worth the traveling, I have planned to see Phantom Thread again this weekend. The score is a work of art, Daniel-Day Lewis is in usual top form, as are the female co-leads, Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville. I saw Phantom Thread five days ago and I'm still on such a high that I won't continue this write up much longer, as I'd simply be babbling on while drooling at my desk. The most emotionally gripping film I've seen all year, Phantom Thread immediately affixed itself near the very top of my list of favorite films of 2017.
Paul Thomas Anderson weaves a modern-day masterpiece with his 2017 feature Phantom Thread. Showcasing the intimate details of the life of a renowned dressmaker, Reynolds Woodcock. Dressing the most elite and prestigious of Britain, Woodcock has every aspect of his life firmly entrenched in routines and order. Balancing between dressing actresses, heiresses, and royalty, Woodcock, with the unwavering support from his sister Cyril, (Lesley Manville) maintains a rigorous schedule, keeping himself in high demand. Maintaining a life as ordered and tightly wound as that spool of thread, Reynolds is used to getting his way in every aspect. A consummate bachelor, Reynolds is used to having muses rather than partners. Muses that can be easily disposed of once Reynolds is through with them being a fixture in his life. One such a muse is what he expected when he met Alma (Vicky Krieps) but for once in his life, Reynolds grossly underestimated who he was dealing with, and actually found the person that would disrupt his carefully commanded life like a falling spool of thread.
Phantom Thread is a perfect film. Clearly wound by a visionary filmmaker, the impact of Phantom Thread only intensifies upon repeat viewings. I drove an hour away to see Paul Thomas Anderson's film, and I couldn't have been more enchanted by what I saw. Well worth the traveling, I have planned to see Phantom Thread again this weekend. The score is a work of art, Daniel-Day Lewis is in usual top form, as are the female co-leads, Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville. I saw Phantom Thread five days ago and I'm still on such a high that I won't continue this write up much longer, as I'd simply be babbling on while drooling at my desk. The most emotionally gripping film I've seen all year, Phantom Thread immediately affixed itself near the very top of my list of favorite films of 2017.