Phantom Thread

Movie Review (English)

Phantom thread is an experience on the lyrical level. 

This is an incredibly moving story of a topnotch designer (Reynolds Woodcock) who has rigid rules, strange fetishes and beliefs, misses his deceased mother and refuses to understand that a loving relationship needs nurturing. His obsession with his creations rules his life and I think no one but Daniel Day-Lewis could have nailed the part. Of course, the magic woven by director Paul Thomas Anderson, through his enigmatic protagonist and beautiful muse (Alma), and the camera work that takes us to another era so very smoothly, cannot be overlooked.

I loved the fact that poisonous mushrooms had to finally work their venom into Reynolds’ system to make him realize how important Alma was for him. She had her ways of making him realize that. Alma played by Vicky Krieps is superb as the strong willed beautiful young lady who does not shirk from taking any risk to get the love of her life.

P.S. – Movie buffs will miss Daniel Day-Lewis as he retires from acting with this movie.

Hichki

Movie Review (Hindi)

Rani Mukherji has truly excelled in this movie. Maybe for me the story resonates closer to my heart. While working as a fellow with Teach for India I learned to empathise with my students and their stories. I see situations in the movie and they hit close to home.

The entire storyline about kids attending an elite school from the nearby slum because of RTE is not new. They are looked down upon by the other students; teachers give up on them from day 1. But the fact that these students should get a teacher who has a handicap herself (afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome) and the way ahead makes for an interesting plot. The students have enacted their roles pretty well as has the teacher (Neeraj Kabi) who sees no good in them.

It is interesting to note how unusual tics are overlooked when you get to know the person. Rani as Naina Mathur is brilliant with her neurological problem and her highs and lows with her class and in her family. The movie got me teary eyed and I cannot take that lightly.

P.S. You do not always need an unusual story. Convincing acting and a smooth edit could get the laurels.