Phantom Thread (2017)
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An obsessive haute couture dressmaker in 1950s London takes a young waitress as his muse.
The story
In 1954 London, fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock creates dresses for members of high society, including royalty. His clients view him as a genius whose creations enable them to become their best selves, but his creativity and charm are matched by his obsessive and controlling personality. Cyril, his sister, manages his fashion house's day-to-day operations and tries to protect him from anything that might distract him from his work. After designing a new gown for a revered client, Reynolds visits a restaurant near his country house and meets a foreign waitress, Alma Elson. She accepts his invitation to dinner. Their relationship blossoms, and she moves in with him, becoming his model, muse, and lover.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1954 London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned but obsessive fashion designer. His sister Cyril manages his business while protecting him from distractions. Reynolds meets Alma Elson, a waitress, and she becomes his muse and lover. Their relationship is strained by his finicky nature, leading to a confrontation where he questions her motives. Alma retaliates by poisoning his tea with wild mushrooms. Reynolds falls gravely ill, and Alma nurses him back to health. Upon recovery, he asks her to marry him. They marry and move to a country house, but his domineering nature causes further friction. When Cyril warns him that his designs are becoming outdated, Reynolds blames Alma for disrupting his routine. In a final confrontation, Alma poisons his omelet with the same mushrooms. Knowing it is poisoned, Reynolds chooses to stay with her, and they envision a shared future together.
- First release year
- 2017
- Runtime (minutes)
- 130
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Paul Thomas Anderson
- Writers
- Paul Thomas Anderson · writer
- Cast and characters
- Daniel Day-Lewis · Reynolds Woodcock; Vicky Krieps · Alma Elson; Lesley Manville · Cyril
- Genres
- psychological period drama; romantic drama; historical drama; historical romance
- Themes
- obsession; control; artistic perfection; sacrifice in love
- Tone and mood
- atmospheric; tense; romantic
- Premise and plot tags
- haute couture; period piece; romance; poisoning
- Content notes
- poisoning
- Reception
- The film received acclaim for its acting, screenplay, direction, musical score, costume design, and production values. It was highly acclaimed by critics, earning a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90 on Metacritic, and was featured on numerous 'best of' lists.
- Production trivia
- Paul Thomas Anderson's first film shot outside the United States.; Daniel Day-Lewis spent a year learning dressmaking for his role.; The film features nearly ninety minutes of music in its 130-minute runtime.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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