1087. Phantom Thread

Phantom Thread
2017
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Continuing our theme of romantic movies for February, we come to Phantom Thread, a story about an obsessive artist and his muse. This is a trope that I am not overly fond of: man treats woman like a toy, becomes bored with his toy, but it is all in the name of "art" so it's somehow heartbreaking but necessary. Well, Day-Lewis was well-cast as an obsessive egotistical artist, I'll give them that much.

Reynolds Woodcock is a dressmaker in 1950s London who designs dresses ranging in quality from ugly, to not-quite-as-bad-as-the-last-one. He falls for a foreign waitress, Alma, and their meeting is actually my favorite moment of the movie. The way they imbued ordinary dialogue with so much meaning was really inspired. Of course, Day-Lewis's character ruined it right after during their date, when he began rubbing off her make up because "he likes seeing who he is talking to." If a man pulled that with me on a first date, or seventy-seventh, it would be a scene and a half. But I guess that's why I am not muse material.

So this is apparently Day-Lewis' last movie, although with Hollywood unashamedly using dead actors and actresses in films who knows. I suppose he wanted to go out with a bang, and what better way is there than to play the role of a tortured Brit who most likely has Asperger's. His character is supposed to be insufferable, which is why Alma is such a remarkable person. But personally, I did not enjoy watching this man child throw tantrum after tantrum.

The Devil Wears Prada, without the fun.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Allegedly Daniel Day-Lewis's final film.

Day-Lewis is 26 years older than his love interest in the movie.

1086. Le conseguenze dell'amore

Le conseguenze dell'amore
The Consequences of Love
2004
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino

We continue our celebration of romance in all its grotesque forms with The Consequences of Love. It is a bit of a stretch to call this a romance film, but based on the title, it seems to be blaming all the main character's problems on love. Thematically, this works for Valentine's Day, a much favored outlet for misblame and self-loathing.

Titta Di Girolamo has spent the last eight years living in a hotel. I liked this character, he was well-cast as somebody that most people wouldn't look twice at. He's a loner but not with any incel-y bitterness, just the sadness of somebody accustomed to viewing things from the outside. He has feelings for a waitress, Sofia, but doesn't act on them. He, of course, has secrets.

I couldn't look away from the last scene, in fact, most of the movie was visually fascinating. I was pretty uneasy throughout this film but can't quite put my finger on why. This will never be a favorite of mine, as I felt it wasn't wholly accessible from a story perspective, but still an enjoyable watch.

I am not exactly sure what this movie was trying to say, but at least it said it with style. And much, much better than our last flick.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

First film to bring widespread acclaim to Paolo Sorrentino.

1085. Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians
2018
Directed by Jon Chu

If romantic comedies have taught us anything, it's that Valentine's Day really matters to women, even if you are not in a relationship. In fact, if you are not in a relationship, like me, you are supposed to spend the day on the floor, eating chocolate, and bemoaning your single status as a wacky best friend, preferably gay or horned up, doles out sass. In honor of this sacred day, the entire month of February will be dedicated to romance on this blog. Oh, and feel free to sass me as much as you like.

Rachel Chu agrees to accompany her boyfriend, Nick, to his friend's wedding in Singapore. She is surprised to realize that Nick's family is, in fact, crazy rich. Wait, Nick is ridiculously good looking AND rich? Oh, Rachel, how are you going to get yourself out of this jam?

I really wanted to like this movie, because it was trying so hard to be fun. It hit all the beats from the tired and true romcom formula: wacky friend (who I did actually like), earnest airport entreaties, and a painfully upbeat soundtrack. I might have gagged during the fashion show sequence.

The leads were as flat as they come. I guess they were going for Cinderella/Prince Charming type story, in which the only requirement is that they look good in formalwear. But I had trouble suspending my disbelief that Nick would turn out so humble and normal having grown up the way he did. I would like to know how he avoided becoming Draco Malfoy but the movie doesn't have the emotional intelligence to tell that story. I know this movie is lauded for its representation, which is cool, but says nothing about the quality.

The opening scene was promising, but it was downhill from there. If you are looking for a good romantic comedy, look elsewhere (and may the Lord protect you in your quest).

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Most of Awkwafina's lines were ad libbed.

A sequel is in the works titled China Rich Girlfriend.

Highest grossing romantic comedy in a decade.