Beautifully filmed, well acted. A great character piece.

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2008)

Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) is a self proclaimed "family man" out to make a simple living in oil. He's got his adopted son H.W. who he brings along to prove what a swell family man he is. Daniel is nothing of the sort. He is a greedy, businessman, and this movie, instead of giving a solid plot, gives a view of his character from 1898 to 1927, and how he changes over the years.
The cinematography is what makes even the dullest of moments in the film watchable. Every shot seemed to be thought out perfectly making even the smallest of things beautiful, and makes this movie a visual feast. The characters are interesting, as they should be, because this is not a plot driven movie, but a character piece. The acting is captivating. When Day-Lewis gives a speech, you want to hear it. Paul Dano was also a great addition to the cast playing two roles, his main role a crazy preacher who is constantly badgering Daniel for money for the church. The writing for the characters was also good. Even with the big theatrical over-exaggerated pauses and unrealistic bouts of silence for dramatic effect, the characters felt real.
Don't go for the plot, but expect to see a time line of man's life and how he changes. The ticket price is worth it!! My rating: **** out of ****. 155 mins. R for violence