Fallen

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2008)

A familiar subject of great films (Stroheim's "Greed"; Welles' "Citizen Kane") the result of capitalism (in extremis) drains the humanity from an individual just like Daniel Plainview drains the oil fields of California. Here, capitalism is competing with religion (a Protestant, uniquely American variety). The preacher seeks to drain something different from the Land and instead of bathing the world in oil, Baptismal blood will do. It's a particularly stunning metaphor for this particular time in the American experience.
Given the ground that has already been paved by previous works on this subject Paul Thomas Anderson is perhaps freer to focus on other aspects of this fall into the abyss. Stripped of any nod to the popular crowd, a radical score, no "love interest," not a lot of time is spent on adding up sums of money and what it buys. We just see souls wither and the act the title promises fulfilled.
It's a strange, fascinating experience in the theater to watch this film. Every aspect of film-making here is exceptional, but it's the story told that parches the viewer. The heightened sense of realism makes what we see instantly familiar yet we dread what will come next.
This film ends very much the same as Stroheim's "Greed" and Welles' "Citizen Kane" ends. Meglomanicas never renounce their sins and atone. They fall, and in this film they fall hard.
In a year of some really magnificent films, this one tops my list, and time, I believe, will hold it with esteem.