Hard to describe, but easy to love

“There Will Be Blood”
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier
4 stars out of 4

Director PT Andersons 5th film is a gigantic sprawling epic that places him amongst the best filmmakers in Hollywood. The film tells of the earliest days of the oil business from 1898 to 1927, seen through the eyes of a heartless oil man named Daniel Plainview played by the extraordinary Daniel Day-Lewis, who most will recognize from his work in “Gangs of New York.” This is Anderson’s most mature and ambitious film to date, with works such as “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia” behind him.

The film is gigantic in scope, and large on themes of capitalism, religion, and greed. It’s also a character study of one of the most ruthless characters even seen on the big screen. The character of Daniel Plainview is a monster, his goal and only goal is to make enough money with his oiling business, so that he can get away from everybody. He has a 9 year old adopted son named H.W, played by child actor Dillon Freasier, they both get word of rich land in an area called Little Boston in California, where oil is flowing, and where big money can be made. Plainview promises the townspeople riches and soon brings in some men to erect machines and start drilling.

Throughout the film, Plainview is at odds with a local preacher named Eli Sunday, played by Paul Dano from “Little Miss Sunshine”. Sunday thinks he is a prophet and a healer; and he wants money from Plainview to build a church. They’re greedy ambitions collide in scene after scene, leaving the audience feeling uncomfortable and unsettled. Dano really could have a better shot at a nomination if he wasn’t completely overshadowed by the monstrous work of Daniel Day-Lewis, Dano does well in each scene with him, but you’re re only paying attention to DDL. Another subplot also arises with a half brother that comes to the town, seeking a relationship with Plainview; it builds and escalates into the theme of family which the film speaks upon.

The film is in limited release as of now, but is creating a whirl wind of buzz and optimism from almost anyone who has seen it. This is the kind of movie that isn’t made anymore; an intelligent and enthralling epic that includes a character that nobody would ever want to come into contact with. Plainview possesses a stare, or even a laugh that rivals the chills that any horror movie could give you. The score for the movie is done by guitarist Johnny Greenwood from the band Radiohead; it’s haunting and mysterious at the same time.

2007 has been the best year for movies since 1999, and I can honestly say that “There Will Be Blood” is the best that 2007 has to offer, with “No Country for Old Men” falling slightly behind. This film is a poetic and haunting portrayal of what greed and power can do to a human being, Daniel Day-Lewis is a lock for best actor at the Oscars, and this movie is a lock for a best picture nomination. If you’re in the mood for a deep, deranged, and oddly satisfying masterpiece, please seek this great film out.

There is so much more to say about this movie, PT Anderson is just a genius, this is such a departure from anything he has ever done. This film is art, it compares to Kubrick, Malick, and the works of others. Wait till you see the performance from Daniel Day-Lewis, words don’t come to mind, just scenes from the movie that had me glued to his face. His mannerisms, along with the way he carries himself are truly noteworthy, this man IS the devil.

The film runs at 158 minutes, but every scene contributes to this work of PT Anderson, he shoots this oil town in Little Boston as the beginning of a new time in history, the audience feels like they’re watching the development of early life, that’s how real it is. The landscapes and set pieces are all vivid and blossomed with detail; everything is alive and pumping with oil, even the heart of Daniel Plainview.

There is much to say and I am rambling at this point, I can only say that I have to see this movie again, I haven’t even covered everything that I want to say. A lot of average movie goers are going to hate this movie, movie buffs and film fanatics will love this, I guess that is what makes this film “art” and not just a movie. This film will make you sick, make you think, make you fall in the love with the idea of making a great film and reading of the praise, such as what I am writing now. PT Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis are Gods, and this movie will be talked about for many many years. What an achievement and a un-precedented original work this is.