There Will Be Blood

I've got another film to add to my list of "best of's" for 2007. Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood is a dark and compelling epic. Telling the story of an oil man and his rise to power and what it costs him, the film gives us the chance to once again watch Daniel Day-Lewis prove why he is one of the best actors ever. The opening 15 or so minutes is done without dialogue, but the camera gives us plenty to watch, as does Day-Lewis.

The film is shot beautifully and no detail is left in question. But accuracy doesn't come at the price of storytelling. Daniel Plainview has built his oil drilling company thanks to his drive. He is a distant man to most and doesn't always play fair when it comes to making land deals in order to drill, but he is smart and has to compete against far bigger oil companies. Due to an accident early in the film, Daniel takes responsibility for a young boy that he raises as his own. H.W. is essentially the only person who seems to touch Daniel's heart in any way. Day-Lewis slides through moments of being cold and reserved with strangers to subtle, but still visible, moments of warmth with his son with effortless grace. As is usual for him, he completely becomes the man he is playing. It should be noted that Dillion Freasier, who plays H.W., does a great job interacting with Day-Lewis.

Daniel's main troubles come in the form of Eli Sunday, played by Paul Dano. Dano was the older brother in Little Miss Sunshine. As Eli, he is a young preacher who wants to use the profits from the oil on his family's land to build a church. He wants to expand his congregation. He is the sort of fire and brimstone preacher who lays hands on people to cure them, etc. When Daniel snubs him after he pretty much tells Daniel he is going to do a blessing on the first drill put up, a rivalry is born. Daniel doesn't take to anyone telling him what to do, especially not someone he sees as a fraud.

All sorts of things happen to keep this duel going on over the decades. Neither man comes out of their desire for oil and the power and money it brings without suffering. Both men are corrupted, but neither is completely lost. Or at least, they are not without their moments of humanity.

The film is beautiful to look at and the score is astounding. Jonny Greenwood, who is lead guitarist (among other things) for Radiohead, composed the soundtrack. There was one song that sounded very much like something from Radiohead's universe circa 1910. The music helped create much of the tension and dark, manic feelings throughout the film. I was particularly impressed with what lead up to and included the portion of the movie represented by the photo above. The supporting cast is strong. I was really excited to see Ciaran Hinds, who is one of my favorite actors. Also, Kevin O'Connor does a lot with his small part helping to reveal much about Daniel through their interaction.

I'm still undecided in my opinion of the ending. On one hand, it seemed to fit. Or at least, the final line fit to me. But, there was a moment before the final scene when I really couldn't see where the film was going and the final moment teetered on being over done and possibly unintentionally funny. None the less, I strongly recommend seeing this movie. It was somewhat of a departure for Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love), but still fits in his collection. He doesn't stray away from the darker side of human behaviour, and he always seems to find small shafts of light inside that darkness. Impressive for himself and Daniel Day-Lewis as well.

Now, I just need to see Michael Clayton and I think for the first time in a while I will have seen all Best Picture nominees. Still have to see Cloverfield too.