THE FUSE

Some films are able to deeply capture the essence of a particular trait. Through them, you witness and infer its patterns and functions, what it conceals about the individual’s values and even fears. Perfectionism, the belief that one has to be perfect all of the time, everywhere, and to everyone (and/or that another ought to be perfect for them), is flawlessly exhibited in the 2017 film Phantom Thread, about the fictitious fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock, who operates a fashion house in 1950s London. To say Reynolds is meticulous is an understatement.