PT Anderson proves himself.

Rating: Null/10 (30 December 2007)

I am a huge PT Anderson fan. I love "Boogie Nights" and "Punch-Drunk Love." And though many people hate it, I think "Magnolia" is one of the best films from the 90's. I've been looking forward to this movie more than anything film has ever thrown at me. I was expecting possibly one of the greatest films of all-time. And maybe even a new favorite film. Needless to say, I was hyping "There Will Be Blood" up so much for myself, I was starting to fear it was too much.
But no. As Anderson almost completely departs from the style of his last movies, he has created one of the best films ever made. Easily one of the greatest films in the past couple decades. I would go as far as to say maybe even the greatest American film ever...If not, one of. The last 15 minutes is some of the most intriguing, amazing acting I have ever seen. And also, one of the greatest endings to any film, ever. (And it reminded me of Kubrick, especially the last line.) Some say the ending is sudden, like in "No Country For Old Men"(probably the second best film of 2007), but each have certain subtleties that hint at the film not ending in your typical Hollywood way. Thats what makes it so brilliant...And thats also one of the things that made some of Kubricks films so amazing. I have not been able to stop thinking about it since the minute I walked out of the theater. I want to watch it again and again and again.
Daniel Day-Lewis gives the best on-screen performance I have probably ever seen. His constant spiral to insanity seems so real, that I forgot I was watching an actor act. Not to mention, his subtle, and perhaps unintentional humor throughout the film gave it breathing room from the viewer seeing the character going insane. If he doesn't get an Oscar, it will be the biggest tragedy the Academy has ever let happen. Paul Dano, at the same time, gives an excellent performance, and proves that he has more potential than any other great up-and-coming actor working today. He too, deserves the Oscar.
Jonny Greenwoods score was haunting and put an emotion in me I cannot describe. It was very reminiscent of Kubrick. And on that topic, I feel this is be the "Kubrick film" of our time. I don't necessarily like saying it was an homage to Kubrick, because I think Anderson is much more original than say, Tarantino, but the parallels to "2001" cannot be ignored. From the first 20 minutes having no dialog, to the score, to the character-driven insanity it makes you feel, to the "sudden" explosive last scene with the great last line. I have heard Anderson did that on purpose, but I'm not sure if thats true or not. Either way, despite the parallels, it is wholly original.
I have no doubt many people will hate this film, but I for one, absolutely loved it. Every scene, every frame, every word. Because of this one epic film, PT Anderson has proved himself to be one of the greatest film directors of all-time. If I could give it 11 out of 10, I would.