I had to see this movie, since it is supposed to be the last for Daniel Day-Lewis. He's always excellent, and he didn't let me down.
The problem is, Vicky Krieps simply cannot play her part. She's bland in every way - bland looks, bland voice, bland characterization. The part of Alma is a tricky one indeed, and not for an amateur. Even a seasoned actress might find it difficult. Yet here is Krieps, thoroughly lacking in the necessary skills, making Alma a true mess.
Granted, she's written as rather one-dimensional. We know nothing of her background - her country of origin, her family, how long she's been living in England, etc. A good actress, however, would create a character out of what details we do have. Krieps does not, and cannot.
Watching Krieps for two hours was hard. Very hard. If the entire movie had been about Reynolds Woodcock slowly coming to terms with the fact that he is aging and that women are no longer having their dresses made by him (if, indeed, they have dresses custom-made at all), it would have been a much better film. Seeing this portrait of dysfunctionality, with excellence from Day-Lewis and mediocrity from Krieps, is a chore.
I hope Daniel Day-Lewis makes at least one more movie. I want to get the taste of this one out of my mouth.
The problem is, Vicky Krieps simply cannot play her part. She's bland in every way - bland looks, bland voice, bland characterization. The part of Alma is a tricky one indeed, and not for an amateur. Even a seasoned actress might find it difficult. Yet here is Krieps, thoroughly lacking in the necessary skills, making Alma a true mess.
Granted, she's written as rather one-dimensional. We know nothing of her background - her country of origin, her family, how long she's been living in England, etc. A good actress, however, would create a character out of what details we do have. Krieps does not, and cannot.
Watching Krieps for two hours was hard. Very hard. If the entire movie had been about Reynolds Woodcock slowly coming to terms with the fact that he is aging and that women are no longer having their dresses made by him (if, indeed, they have dresses custom-made at all), it would have been a much better film. Seeing this portrait of dysfunctionality, with excellence from Day-Lewis and mediocrity from Krieps, is a chore.
I hope Daniel Day-Lewis makes at least one more movie. I want to get the taste of this one out of my mouth.
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