There are some roles in movies that are so outstanding they can make a star out of an unheralded performer. But can there also be some roles- and stories- that are so disturbing even in their supposed “brilliance” that they can “break” an already made star?
Triple Oscar winner and veteran actor Daniel-Day Lewis said to the surprise of many that filming his latest project “Phantom Thread”, a romance movie, made him so sad he decided to quit acting altogether.
The movie showing in U.S. theaters on Christmas day took two years to research and write- a collaboration between director Paul Thomas Anderson and Day-Lewis.
Day-Lewis plays fastidious 1950s London fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock whose self-centered existence is suddenly disrupted when his latest muse falls in love with him. Matters then take an unexpected and sinister twist. Newcomer actress Vicky Krieps plays his love interest in the movie.
The British-born actor even prior to “Phantom Thread” has always been known for his meticulous preparation in every project he takes on. For his latest movie, Day-Lewis threw himself completely into the project, intensely studying for months with designers and even making a couture dress himself.
Anderson also stresses that everything is so authentic in the movie, even in small details as silverware, teacup, etc. He added: “You have to involve Daniel in every aspect of that. There isn’t a piece of furniture or wall covering that hasn’t been approved (by him.)”
Day-Lewis shocked the industry by announcing in June this year that at 60 years old, still a great and bankable actor, that he’s retiring from acting, without giving any explanation at all for his seemingly sudden decision.
He only offered the information that such a move was directly related to filming “Phantom Thread.” He said in an interview with W magazine: “Before making the film, I didn’t know I was going to stop acting. I do know that Paul and I laughed a lot before we made the movie. And then we stopped laughing because we were both overwhelmed by a sense of sadness.”
He said the sadness just wouldn’t leave him. He shared: “That happened during the telling of the story, and I really don’t know why.”
“Phantom Thread”’ revolves around the theme of human condition, and how people respond to and deal with love and the lack of love.”
Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/daniel-day-lewis-bows-twisted-romance-phantom-thread-133811646.html
Was it Phantom Thread or upcoming sexual misconduct allegations