The release of a new Paul Thomas Anderson film will always be a major cinematic event, but this particular occasion comes with an added dash of intrigue, as it supposedly marks the acting swansong of Daniel Day-Lewis.
Set in the glamorous fashion world of 1950’s post-war London, Phantom Thread follows renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (a softly spoken Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville), who dress royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutants and dames in the distinct mid-century style of The House of Woodcock.
Very little of the film’s plot has been revealed before now, but further details have finally emerged via the official synopsis: “Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love.”
So there you have it. Anderson’s eighth movie, and his second collaboration with Day-Lewis following 2007’s There Will be Blood, will paint an illuminating portrait of an artist on a creative journey, and the women who keep his world running. Check out the trailer and let us know your thoughts @LWLies
Phantom Thread opens in select theatres in the US on 25 December and hits UK cinemas on 2 February.
Published 23 Oct 2017
By Colin Biggs
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