Masterpiece, classic - the 'Clockwork Orange' of the 2000's

Rating: 8/10 (26 February 2008)

Instead of foregoing the clichés here i've decided to include them. Words like 'masterpiece' and 'classic', when applied to film, will now always allow 'There Will Be Blood' to spring to mind. So forgive me.
The long run time of this film may be seen as a disadvantage by some. Quite the opposite i'd say. For when something is so emotionally powerful, in engaging so many various thoughts and feelings, why would you want it to be over as quick as possible? In some of the more sinister moments, I felt a feeling quite inexplicable, riddled with that of fear, excitement, disgust, anger...the list is endless. Few films I can think of invoke a similar emotion. This was supplemented by a soundtrack which captured the mood effortlessly throughout.
Leaving the cinema, me and a friend were quite simply stunned by 'There Will Be Blood'. Struggling to explain what was so spectacular and unique about this film, the realisation was clear. A film that dares not to conform to modern stereotypes needs no explanation. With this film, you take what you want from it, which indeed will be quite different from person to person. Even interpretations of events and meanings may differ, which i'm certain Paul Thomas Anderson would have welcomed.
Go with an open mind, expecting nothing you may have experienced before. Take the film for what it is; an experience. If indeed you allow yourself, you'll feel just the way I do about 'There Will Be Blood'.