Phantom Thread

In this multi-Oscar-nominated film (including Best Picture), Daniel Day-Lewis stars as eccentric, self-absorbed Reynolds Woodcock, a discerning British fashion designer. In the 1950s, lavish haute couture was revered by rich women and royalty. Impeccably groomed, imperious Woodcock demands that his elegant London townhouse home/office revolve around his craftsmanship and whims. Breakfast is silent: no crunching toast or idle chatter. His domineering perfectionism is supported by his omnipresent spinster sister/business partner Cyril (Lesley Manville). When Woodcock spies young waitress Alma (Vicky Krieps) in a countryside cafe, he impulsively decides that she will be his new muse/model. So Alma moves into his hermetic existence, standing quietly for hours while he meticulously uses her lithe body to fit gorgeous gowns, often stitching secret embroidered messages into the fabric's lining. But soon her passive/aggressive presence becomes increasingly disruptive within the House of Woodcock, leading to an overt, psychopathic twist. Phantom Thread is essentially the story of a tortured, misogynistic artist who puts his creativity above all else, psychologically controlling and abusing those around him, but it also feels like a strangely shallow film, despite charismatic Day-Lewis's immersive performance. Still, due to the numerous award nominations and high critical praise, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a collection of behind-the-scenes photos (12 min.), “For the Hungry Boy” deleted scenes (5 min.), and the production segments “House of Woodcock Fashion Show” (3 min.) and “Camera Tests” (3 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for this Best Picture nominee.] (S. Granger)