Realism with major flaws

Rating: 6/10 (10 February 2008)

I'd read other stories about the hard lives and deceptions common to the early oilmen seeking their fortunes. It was thus with trepidation that I went to see this film. One definitely gets a flavour of the hard stoicism of the participants as the script and acting are superb. Nevertheless, I'd liked to have seen more of the slimy/silver tongued ruthlessness in the later dialogue with the corporate oilmen that is reputed to have persisted at the time. The film as a whole is a great testament to the many tales that no doubt can be told about this period in the US's history. However, I found great fault with the musical choices throughout - all overly intrusive, clanging and orchestral when something more basic and wild would have coloured the scenes much more effectively. Daniel Day Lewis was fabulous as usual but the Director should have insisted that he maintain the 'limp' more consistently - a major scene early on after his injury sees him running without impediment...such a shame as otherwise Daniel's performance was spot on. A hard film to watch.