Anderson rises to the top of contemporary American filmmakers ; Day-Lewis is ferociously memorable

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2008)

THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007) ***1/2 Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier, Ciaran Hinds, Kevin J. O'Connor, Sydney McCallister, David Willis, Christine Olejniczak, Kellie Hill, Russell Harvard, Hans Howes. Paul Thomas Anderson's monumental leap to the forefront of American directors ranks him high with the likes of Kubrick, Altman and Welles in this epic look at Daniel Plainview, an oil-baron in the making (a ferociously memorable performance by Day-Lewis channeling John Huston's crusty voice) at the turn of the 20th century, and the implications for his power thirst hindering his only bond with humanity: his young son, H.W. (spookily mute Freasier), and the price he pays for it all. Dano is also noteworthy as a fire- and-brimstone revival day preacher who is the thorn in Plainview's side. Anderson's reach may exceed his grasp but he is helped splendidly by the rich cinematography of Robert Elswit, a pitch-perfect production design by Jack Fisk, and an unnerving, haunting chamber- music like score by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood.