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Peter’s Picturehouse in May- Phantom Thread
7 May 2019 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The May film is ‘Phantom Thread’ (cert. 15). Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this is a film that came and went quite quickly when it was released early last year, and many of you might have missed it. I was lucky enough to see it at the open-air cinema in the Sydney Botanic Gardens, on a beautifully warm evening with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background and a glass of wine to hand. In this setting I would have enjoyed absolutely any film, but we were agreed at the end that it had been well worth seeing.
‘Phantom Thread’ stars Daniel Day-Lewis (and if you saw him in ‘Lincoln’ you will know what a great actor he is) in supposedly his last film before retirement, and he is in top form. He plays a renowned fashion designer, Reynolds Woodcock, in 1950’s London. He creates dresses for members of high society. Woodcock’s charisma and genius are matched by his obsessive, controlling personality. His household and daily life are managed by his sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville). The equilibrium is totally disturbed when a young waitress, Alma, enters his life.
‘Phantom Thread’ scored well with the film critics. It was nominated for five Oscars (including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress) and perhaps unsurprisingly for a film about high fashion, won the Oscar for Best Costume Design, so there is plenty to enjoy visually. One critic described it as ‘strange and mesmerizing…. romantic drama, with a touch of thriller and an unexpected dab of dark comedy.’ ‘The Independent’ said it was ‘wondrously bizarre’. There are one or two quite dark and unexpected twists (no violence however!). The audience reviews were somewhat more divided but many were very appreciative. It’s certainly an unusual film. Not one for you if you like action movies: rather sit back and admire the visuals and the superb acting. For quite a slow-paced film, I kept wide awake and absorbed throughout.
Come and see what you think, you can have the glass of wine, and/or tea/coffee/ice cream if you prefer. The Village Hall doors open at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 7th May and the film starts at 7.30. Admission £5.