Yes No Maybe So: "Phantom Thread"
Monday, October 23, 2017 at 4:00PM by Ben Miller
Paul Thomas Anderson's latest joint, Phantom Thread, has him collaborating for a second time Daniel Day-Lewis (who is reportedly retiring following this film). The Christmas release follows the true story of 1950s London fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock. Tagging along are his muse Alma (Vicky Krieps) and his sister (Lesley Manville).
After a long long wait, the first poster and the trailer have arrived. See them after the jump as we nail down the Yes, No, and Maybe So of it all…
Yes
• I love a subdued DDL. Despite his grandious speeches in Lincoln, a reserved quiet Daniel Day-Lewis is a welcome reprieve. He hasn’t been this (presumably) subtle since The Age of Innocence
• Lesley Manville should be more famous. She seems to have a great ice-queen sister role -- can she finally snag that Oscar nomination that's eluded her?
• Vicky Krieps seems up to the challenge in her scenes, willing to go big while seeming so coy
• Getting The Master feels from some of these shots, which is never a bad thing. Anderson is shooting this himself and Johnny Greenwood is returning for the music score
• If you are a big fashionista (I personally am not), I can imagine the foaming at the mouth you are experiencing
No
• Not much Manville in the trailer…hopefully that isn’t indicative of her role
• My only concern is that this does not seem to be in Anderson’s wheelhouse. But why doubt that stellar track record?
• It is a well-worn troupe of a powerful man and the women he drags along, but this seems to have a lighter touch than most of those stories
Maybe So
• Early buzz has described this as 'Mike Leigh directing Fifty Shades of Grey'. What to even make of that?!?
• Anderson/Day-Lewis are both much beloved, but can veer a little off course now and again
I am firmly in the Yes for this one. How about you? The film opens at Christmas and will presumably go wide by January or February.
Reader Comments (57)
This is probably the least excited I've ever been for a PTA film, but even so, I'm totally a YES.
You really responded to Vicky Krieps in the trailer?
She has zero charisma - sounds borings, looks boring - I fail to see what DDl sees in her -
very worrisome because she's the co-lead.
There are so many exciting new actresses that PTA could've chosen.
(And PTA used to have such good taste in actresses!)
Before the trailer, Phantom Thread was my most anticipated movie of the year - PTA is the finest filmmaker working today - but
this trailer has out a huge damper on my excitement.
The cinematography doesn't even look that special.
Really hope I'm proven wrong and that the movie is (another) PTA masterpiece
I see the Mike Leigh connection mainly through Manville whom I hope gets the Oscar nomination that eluded her in 99 and esp in 2010 Campaigns be damned!
I am pleased to see DDL go for less in this trailer,did he loose some weight for the role
I have been to some of those locations and they have got the look perfect.
Having doubts abot the lead actress she seems a bit off.
Still excited for this,DDL is a legend and if it is his last film I will be sad to see him go but hope he finishes on a high.
OH FUCK YEAH!!!!!! It's P.T. Anderson, he puts my ass in the seat!!!!!!!!!
Manville is a treasure.
Is anybody else getting worrying Room with a View vibes from DDL or is that just me?
I'm not familiar with Vicky Krieps, but she was giving me a bit of Laura Linney in the trailer: reserved but not blank. There seems to be a lot of interiority (more than meets the eye) was my takeaway, which could make for an intriguing counterpoint to Day-Lewis.
PTA usually trafficks in big ensembles, but this seems quite intimate and sumptuous, so it may be an interesting departure for him. We shall see.
Definitely and absolutely YES to this one
Here's the thing; this is a sumptuous, gorgeous trailer. Professor Spouse and I are both finding things in it we adore. But while the Professor loves PTA, I am decidedly in the opposite camp.
We're a yes, because Professor Spouse will insist and I'll get a nice after-movie cocktail out of the deal.
I also get there's something off with Krieps character but I'm getting the feeling that could be part of the plot. Which I dig.
It looks less...just less in general than what we're used to from either of these men, and I am very very pleased with that.
This whole project is a downer from the imagined potential we assumed we'd get from having witnessed his more insular projects The Master and Inherent Vice. Majorly disappointed to the point of feeling somewhat seasick.
^I think she's just miscast or a bad actress -- or both!
I would love to think that there's a reason for her reservedness, her blandness.
But alas, I think she's just a plain-looking boring actress with no charm or charisma.
I think she's just miscast or a bad actress -- or both!
I would love to think that there's a reason for her reservedness, her blandness.
But alas, I think she's just a plain-looking boring actress with no charm or charisma.
was in response to Steve_Man -- why did have to come between Steve and myself, /3rtful?!
I watchet the trailer four times. The last time I did this for PTA was Magnolia.
And...I think with myself that PTA's screenplay demands a 40 years old actress to opposite DDL, why he did not hire Kate Winslet?
I know, we are all assuming that vicky is not that great but... I still imagine Kate opposite DDL and I start to cry because would be a fantastic farewell do Mr.Day-Lewis final work be with KAte.
By the way, /3rtful,
The Master may be an insular movie, but it also happens to be one of PTA's best, if not THE best.
Inherent Vice is his worst. Could be that Phanton Thread will take that title come Christmas!
It seems that character is supposed to be in her twenties (this appears to be a May-December romance), so casting a well-known Generation X actress like Winslet probably would not have worked. But there are so many good up and coming actresses in their twenties. I agree that Krieps seems like a dull choice.
I don't know what to think. I didn't care for PTA's last two films; at least this one will have beautiful costumes and Lesley Manville.
Inherent Vice is nowhere near his worst (Hard Eight).
I just don't buy the retirement sh*t. A few years back he also announced he was retiring to be a shoemaker in Italy. And now he seems to have taken a liking to the fashion world and dressmaking. Yes, he'll take a break and be out of the game only until PTA or Spielberg come knocking at his door. Please!
Intriguing trailer- beautiful images- cold almost Hitchcokian
Day-Lewis seems kind of...dull. Which is shocking, as he's usually an electric screen presence. And you can normally tell from the first trailer that he's doing something inspired. He seems very paint-by-numbers in this trailer.
Day-Lewis is such a technical actor, that if he isn't leaning heavily into the technical aspects of a charactrisation (accent, costume, make-up) or racheting up the intensity levels to 11, I'm not sure he's got much left to hold a movie. We'll defintely find out.
He sounds like himself and looks like himself. And there's nothing wrong with that. But I'm not actually certain if he's the type of actor who can pull off playing to close to his own characteristics. Like he needs an accent or a limp to truly be inspired.
Suzanne - yeah, just think of the actresses PTA could've gone with.
If the character had to have an accent or accents are a turn on for PTA! :
*Carla Juri
I've loved her ever since Wetlands - such a bold performer - and she was so endearing, too, in Morris From America.
*Saskia Rosendahl - stunning and unforgettable in Lore - and that face of hers!
*Sylvia Hoeks - the MVP of Blade Runner 2049.
And for American/English actresses - how 'bout Maika Monroe, Lucy Boynton, Analeigh Tipton, Sasha Frolova, Margaret Qualley, Betty Gilpin, Anya Taylor Joy ?
Any of the above would've been better than Vicky Krieps
First viewing left me cold but I will rewatch. PTA is a director whose films I more often like or admire than love.
It will be interesting to see how this figures in the Oscars but I guess Costume Design is probably a given. But there wasn't much Lesley Manville in the trailer (boo!) and DDL in reserved mode seems less of a slam dunk for a Best Actor nomination. I wonder when it will start screening?
The Master dulled my love, (and I Haven't seen Inherent Vice). This looks closer in style to Hard Eight than Boogie Nights and Magnolia. It certainly looks beautiful, but I still don't know what the story is, other than "My Fair Lady gets some Fashion".
I'm still a YES, of course. IT's PTA and DDL!
But a subdued yes.
I'm totally (surprisingly) enamored with this trailer. This is the first PTA film that I'm actively anticipating. I admire his work and usually end up liking the films, but I never really look forward to them in the way most seem to. I can say the same for DDL, I recognize his genius, but he's not an actor that immediately makes me want to see a film all the time. Also, when did he morph into Jeremy Irons?
I'm in the middle on Vicky Krieps, there were moments in the trailer that I found to be really good and others that came off kind of flat. I've never seen her in anything else, but I'm guessing that maybe this is her first English-speaking role?
I'm definitely a yes.
I'm a soft YES. If the reviews are good/great, it'll get quite a few nods (Actor, Production Design, Costume Design).
this shit was made for me. leslie manville is a goddess. i still shake when i remember her single, simple, everything scene in mr. turner.
The trailer reminds me of "Nine". That one just didn't work, despite the cast and the good reputation of the stage play. The trailer looks like a movie that would disillusion an actor about their profession, to the point of quitting (for a while).
The apparent narrative of a much younger "muse" who is mistreated (or there is an imbalance of power between the older rich powerful man and the young girl who does what she is told), just doesn't make me warm to the project.
Anyone getting a Kubrickian vibe from this trailer? Unfortunately, this trailer is incredibly dull. I'll still end up watching this but I'm not getting my expectations up.
And that pounding score is just fantastic; here's hoping they actually remember to nominate one of the world's best film composers come Oscar time.
Ehh, this looks dull and dreary, almost as faded out and sad as an old dish rag. I hope for the best.
What the hell this actress? Why wasn't Elizabeth Debicki cast instead?
It seems like something based on a David Hare script, a "Wetherby" or a "Plenty," that would max out in 60 theaters, were it not for the pedigree of DDL and PTA. I'll see it, but it seems minor key to me.
"What the hell this actress? Why wasn't Elizabeth Debicki cast instead?"
Exactly, what the hell this actress, Vicky Krieps!
Does PTA really expects us to buy that DDL would be interested in someone like her?!
Nobody would look twice at her! Or be beguiled by her.
Krieps gives me the creeps!
I'd be down for Debicki for sure!
Love Debicki!
Good lord, where in the world is this hate for Vicky Krieps coming from? Jesus people, it's a 2-minute trailer, give the girl a chance! PTA has a great knack for picking actresses (Moore, Watson, Adams), so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. No wonder actresses in Hollywood can't ever win.
This seems like his most reserved film to date, but I'm sure there's much more bubbling underneath the surface that we're not seeing. I'm definitely in.
this looks cool. Im not seeing the boring aspects some of you seem to be seeing. frankly Im happy for a less eccentric DDL. he doesnt need to play a huge character to give a huge performance.
I was just on IMDb and saw that Vicky Krieps played Hanna's mother in Hanna, which is one of my favorite movies.
I had forgotten all about her - and it IS a brief appearance.
I truly hate the music. It's getting on my nerves.
that put me to sleep faster than the age of innocence
I've hated everything PTA has done, except There Will Be Blood. So, I'm in for this one because of DDL and because Lesley Manville could get me to see anything.
I cannot WAIT for how frustrated this movie is gonna make the PTA fanboys who are gonna got nuts over their beloved making a movie about fashion.
I also thought 'Why not Elizabeth Debicki?'
But I know nothing about Krieps, and perhaps that kind of 'flat' impression she's giving is intentional? Let's reserve judgement until we see the film.
DDL is giving me Newland Archer vibes, and for me, that is a great thing! I like it when he dials it down a bit.
Lesley Manville is a treasure..
I've been frothing over the costumes in 40's/50's films lately (Allied, The Dressmaker, Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day) so I'm a YES mainly for that very reason.
From the trailer alone , it looks like this is another AGE OF INNOCENCE. Day-Lewis MIGHT get nominated but do you think the Academy will give him a FOURTH Oscar??? I think the film might get cine, art direction, costume... and maybe a supporting actress nom. And Lesley Manville is so deserving of a nomination by now.
Vicky Krieps: "Motherfucker! You fucking assholes! Who the fuck do you think you are?! YOU don't know me! You don't know who I am, what my life is and you have the balls, the indecency to question my acting skills?! SUCK MY DICK! Shame on you! Shame on all of you!"
What the hell guys, I think the trailer doesn't show half of the actual movie. We haven't seen anything from Vicky Krieps yet. I'm pretty sure, this is a very demanding an challenging role. So wait for the movie and relax. Let's give new faces some chances.
Haha, Glenn - ain't that the truth.
I don't understand the negative reactions either, or the hate for Vicky Krieps. I've never seen her in anything, but she seems fine from the trailer, and who pre-judges movies based on trailers? (Everyone, apparently.)
I'm a yes for this, even though PTA is hit or miss for me.
A definite yes for me for this movie. I am actually delighted PTA chose a relatively unknown actress for the lead role. It might (at least for me) make for a compelling story where I won't be distracted by acting mannerisms of more established actresses. Like many I have not seen any film of Vicky Krieps and yet the small scenes we saw in the trailer might just serve to create a truncated storyline from a more complex one rather than a glimpse of dull cinema. I don't know, maybe it won't hold one's attention when watched in full and in context, I don't know.
Agree that Lesley Manville is an excellent actress -- that turn in both Mr Turner and Another Year was proof of her superb acting mettle. In fact she was also wonderful in a small role in Secrets & Lies. It made me think of the many working-class women I encountered in offices and agencies -- Manville perfectly nailed that part, I thought. Her professional-yet-caring attitude towards Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) was handled effortlessly and with the right amount of gravitas.
DDL is always good -- a brilliant brilliant technical actor that I admire more than love.
That was dull, but when did a movie about fashion wasn't? However, PTA's movies (I think they're crap) and Day-Lewis over the top/subtle acting (this guy needs to play a character that feels real) are not really my cup of tea.
Y/N/MS is kind of stupid for this trailer, considering they had me at Untitled PTA/DDL Project. And we're really roasting this unknown actress for a 2-minute trailer?
Me34 - a movie about fashion doesn't automatically have to be dull, superficial.
Just look at something like Saint Laurent (2014) - complex and intriguing.
It is entirely possible to do a movie about fashion that's sexy and dark and dangerous -
but by the looks of it, none of that has made it into Phantom Thread.
And yes, I'm one of those PTA fanboys but I was excited for this movie - I was not put out by the fact that it took place in the fashion world - I love the fashion of the 50s - love the clothes of the era - one of the many reasons The Master was such a joy and feast for the eyes.
But the trailer has me worried and no matter how many times I've watched now,
something feels off.
Let's hope the trailer is just misleading - and the movie will be great
Owl -- YES! The social worker in Secret & Lies. Brilliant work.
I couldn't care less if it's Daniel's last movie. I'm a bit tired of all the pretentious bullshit that surrounds everything he does. You know, the 'I'm retiring to become a shoemaker' blah blah blah. Not saying that he generates this. I'm pretty sure it's more a publicity/media thing.
Phantom Thread - a movie about fashion
The Social Network - a movie about internet
LaLa Land - a movie about jazz
Moonlight - a movie about gay
Mother! - a movie about a mother
Arrival - a movie about Aliens
...
Let's just hope that PTA is not making the costumes for this film. Cuz I'm pretty sure he was baked while making Incoherent Vice about a pothead.
And movies about fashion are not boring. Funny Face, anyone.
@Peggy Sue -- oh yes! Lesley Manville was only in maybe two scenes (both with Marianne Jean-Baptiste) in Secrets & Lies but the way she made that role memorable is almost breath-taking. The way she chewed her gum, her nurturing voice when explaining what MJB (Jean-Baptiste not Blige) needed to know about her biological parents, and the way she gave Hortense paper napkin when the latter was crying and unable to decide what to do or say -- all oh so real.
I just looked up Vicky Krieps on imdb and realised that she appeared in a few films I already watched. I don't really remember her in any of those films. Maybe PTA's decision to cast her in the lead role in Phantom Thread is similar to DDL's character choosing someone nondescript (?) to be his muse. Maybe. I do have to say that I like most of the vibe she radiates in the 2-minute trailer. There is a little Julie Delpy in her that I like.