Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film is presented in an assured and confident manner. Anderson is the most naturally gifted filmmaker of his generation, a fact that is evident here. Packed with breathtaking shots and scenes of boiling intensity, the movie makes no apologies about its tendency towards the grandeur inherent in telling an epic story that spans decades. Perhaps the first thing that will strike viewers will be the unavoidable use of imagery that comes naturally when setting a story in the old west. However, Anderson's latest effort also packs enough depth and complexity to let you know that it never relies solely on this foundation. Although ripe with symbolism, There Will Be Blood does not settle for merely the pretense of poignancy by imagery. Instead it gives us complex characters that prove to be the soul of the story. The film is anchored by the powerful presence of Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a silver miner turned oilman. Day-Lewis' performance is a thing of beauty. Equal parts larger-than-life and nuanced, his Daniel Plainview perfectly embodies the spirit of a salesman while putting across the multiple layers required for the portrayal of a man with an all-too-human desire for power. Critics of Daniel Day-Lewis performance will say that his portrayal is far too theatrical, a criticism also given to his portrayal of Bill the Butcher in Gangs of New York. The reality is that Day-Lewis does not carry this to everyone of his performances. However, he knows when a character is supposed to be showman. Plainview is a salesman and without his swagger he would be nowhere as a businessman. What is truly outstanding is that, unlike lesser actors, Day-Lewis is able to bring out the more human aspects of Plainview that make him a fascinating character to watch. Joining Day-Lewis is Paul Dano as Eli Sunday. Dano balances out his character appropriately, giving Sunday the calm and silent demeanor that stands in sharp contrast to his passion for religion. While Dano does not deliver the performance of his career in this film, he does show hints of tremendous talent in his portrayal of an evangelical preacher that stands in opposition of Plainview's search for power. The rest of the cast simply takes a supporting role amidst this struggle. Providing the score for this conflict is Johnny Greenwood's haunting score. Greenwood manages to accentuate the barren desert setting with a score that is both minimalist and entrancing. Although it never rises to the showboating highs of Howard Shore, the music enhances the dark, pessimistic, and emotionally taxing tone of the film while never taking center stage away from the performances. There Will Be Blood is an achievement in cinematography, acting, writing and film-making unlike anything released in 2007. It is a film that puts its focus on wholly unlikable characters and dares to take you in deeper despite this fact. Like Raging Bull, it is a character study of a man who you would not normally want to know and who you will be unable to forget about after it is all said and done. You may not want to revisit this film anytime soon, but it will be for all the right reasons. It is a powerful and emotionally draining experience.Read full review
Daniel Day-Lewis shines in this one. What incredible acting on his part. He is so good that he helps the audience along to feel his own fire about oil. This is a story about America & the oil business. Dialogue is excellent. Characters are believable & flawed just like any human being. They each have their agenda which is cast very well. I waited a long time to buy this DVD. Once I started to watch it, I could not stop. I would recommend it for Adults Only.
I saw This movie At The Theater because It was nominated for Best Picture.I didnt have any idea what It was about.I knew that Daniel Day-Lewis was starring In It.I think the movie Is Excellent and I went to buy It the day It was released on dvd.Daniel Day-Lewis' performance Is one of the best you will ever see.So,If you dont like the movie for one reason or another you will have to admit that Daniel Day-Lewis did an outstanding job,and that Is not a bad thing.To me,there Is nothing to dislike about this movie,but many people do not like this movie,and many people do like this movie.I Think this movie should have won Best Picture for the Academy Awards.If people were to rate a movie completely on Its Excellence and were able to set aside what they think Is morally Incorrect,this movie would be more widely acknowledged.The movie is kinda grim and sinister.I have asked people what they think of this movie.Religious people of christian faith found It repulsive.People who were moderately religious and non religious found It above average,and people who didnt have a great knowledge of film In general showed great dislike.Not to say that any certain person with characteristics such as above will have an opinion of the same outcome.These are just the ones I found In my search for reviews of this movie.The cinematography as well as film editing are also outstanding.What I did not like about the two disc set Is there isnt that much bonus material content but since I liked the movie so much I definitely want all the content on the movie.Another thing Is that the two disc dvd case is made completely out of cardboard.There arent any plactic retainers that will keep the dvd scratch free.When i took the dvds out I put them In a different case to prevent scratching.If I were to pick 5 films that were the best of the Decade,'There Will Be Blood' Is one of them.Goodbye,Thank you for reading.Read full review
This picture is by far one of the greatest most triumphant unifications of absolute genius in acting and epic cinematography. Daniel Day-Lewis provides a hair-raising, masterful performance as a partially unstable oil prospecter-turned-tycoon on a quest to leave this world colder. Met with multiple awards, this film's plot and action follows "Daniel Plainview" as he sets forth to purchase land at minimal cost with the intent of maximizing oil production for himself. Already successful and wealthy, the tycoon does everything within his power to dominate his market and to control the playing field in his game of find it and pump it while he maintains little regard to the thoughts, feelings, and necessities of those around him. His utter hatred of people and religion plaigue his attempts to maintain his facade as a gentleman businessman culminating with a masterful climax of rage, hatred and brutality. There Will Be Blood will be a new classic. It will be one of the best movies that you will every choose to watch. I suggest owning it as opposed to renting it because you will want to watch it again and again!Read full review
I liked this movie very much, but I don't think all people will. I thought it was a very good story, and I love Daniel Day Lewis. He gives a very powerful performance, and the story is very interesting. I enjoyed seeing the way things were for men in the oil business here in America during the early 20th century. I would recommend this movie to any fan of Daniel Day Lewis, and to anyone who enjoys a movie for a good story, not just action or comedy, although both can be found in this film. "Two Thumbs Up!"
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