Exquisitely Executed

Rating: 9/10 (24 August 2018)

(Flash Review)
DD Lewis owned this character. One of a cold-hearted and hyper-driven oil prospector. He became this character who lets nothing stand in the way of his next deal or progress towards wealth. His performance was accentuated by outstanding editing, camera movement and punctuated by an evocative music score. The film follows from what I assume was his first oil discovery in 1898 through his successes including life hurdles that he just kicks down rather than overcome. The crux of the film is watching how his character is paralleled by a youthful preacher whom he encounters through a land deal. Both characters have their flaws, which are exposed through a similar lens and highlighted many times as their paths often cross. It is intriguing to see how they both gain notoriety and attain notable levels of success despite their flaws and to see their lives follow a similar trajectory. Deep down it becomes unnerving to see what humans will do for their personal competitive victories. The end seemed to need a bit more meat to paint the picture that attempted to do. Overall, a stellar achievement on all cinematic fronts.