If I were Daniel Day-Lewis, and I'm not, this would not be my farewell film. It is evident that he was intrigued by the character of Reynolds Woodcock, a dedicated fashion designer, seemingly devoid of any emotion except missing his dead mother. Woodcock lives a rigid, quiet life with his sister/major domo Cyril (Leslie Manville) who couldn't crack a smile if her life depended on it. He takes on young women as lovers and models, and out they go when he's through
Along comes Alma (Vicky Krieps), his next model and eventual lover. She doesn't intend to be thrown out - ever. She's a more subtle '50s version of the Glenn Close character in Fatal Attraction.
Alma figures out that underneath that hard, disciplined shell is a man who is needy for love, more of a maternal love, perhaps. So what could be better than Munchausen's by proxy?
This story comes in a very glamorous, beautiful, atmospheric package, filled with gorgeous gowns, sumptuous gatherings, beautiful photography and sublime music. Take that all away and you have a Lifetime movie.
Someone I know saw this and hated it, saying it was boring. I had to see it because of Daniel Day-Lewis - and he can elevate any script. The acting is wonderful from Vicky Krieps, Leslie Manville, and a neat performance by Harriet Samson Harris, another favorite.
I admit the film was slow, but I wasn't bored. In that way, it was very European. I also admit I don't expect a lot of people on IMDb will be nuts about it, perhaps wanting something that moves a little faster.
The major problem with the film for me was the fact that I couldn't warm up to any of the characters. I frankly thought Reynolds was a jerk, and I couldn't understand why Alma wanted to be with him until I realized she was a whack job. And Cyril - Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca comes off like Mother Theresa compared to her.
Odd story, beautifully done.
Along comes Alma (Vicky Krieps), his next model and eventual lover. She doesn't intend to be thrown out - ever. She's a more subtle '50s version of the Glenn Close character in Fatal Attraction.
Alma figures out that underneath that hard, disciplined shell is a man who is needy for love, more of a maternal love, perhaps. So what could be better than Munchausen's by proxy?
This story comes in a very glamorous, beautiful, atmospheric package, filled with gorgeous gowns, sumptuous gatherings, beautiful photography and sublime music. Take that all away and you have a Lifetime movie.
Someone I know saw this and hated it, saying it was boring. I had to see it because of Daniel Day-Lewis - and he can elevate any script. The acting is wonderful from Vicky Krieps, Leslie Manville, and a neat performance by Harriet Samson Harris, another favorite.
I admit the film was slow, but I wasn't bored. In that way, it was very European. I also admit I don't expect a lot of people on IMDb will be nuts about it, perhaps wanting something that moves a little faster.
The major problem with the film for me was the fact that I couldn't warm up to any of the characters. I frankly thought Reynolds was a jerk, and I couldn't understand why Alma wanted to be with him until I realized she was a whack job. And Cyril - Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca comes off like Mother Theresa compared to her.
Odd story, beautifully done.