"There Will Be Blood", a Cinematic Epic

Rating: 10/10 (18 March 2008)

Paul Thomas Anderson's ingenious breathtaking thrill ride "There Will be Blood", is a gorgeous, thought provoking piece of cinematic beauty for all to cherish and enjoy. Although there have been many brilliant films and performances to have come out in 2007, "There Will be Blood" has out shined them all with its deep heart wrenching plot and bleak outlook on the early 20th century oil industry and production. Adapted from Upton Sinclair's masterpiece novel "Oil!" Anderson colorfully illustrates greed, religion, corruption, and ambition that the novel so desperately tried to communicate to its reader's decades ago.
What made this powerful story come together so beautifully was the superb performance by Daniel Day-Lewis who portrays the ruthless money making knave, Daniel Plainview. At first you feel compassion for Plainview's agonizing attempts for success in such a rough and risky business. But as the story unfolds you begin to see how truly selfish and cold-hearted this man is and what horrors he is capable of. Other dazzling performances are delivered from "Little Miss Sunshine's" Paul Dano who zestfully conjures up one of the most charismatic religious fanatics you'll ever witness as he teeters on the brink of insanity and religious obsession. Even Dillon Freasier who is only the age of 12, gives a fantastic performance as Plainview's son, H.W. who is neglected and mistreated by his cruel and psychotic Father.
What brings such a powerful and exquisitely intimate atmosphere to the film were the chilling cinematography and the realism that embraces this powerful epic. The films pragmatism is something so strong; you can almost taste the dusty wind from the arid, vast landscapes and feel the mud on your face and in your fingertips. It vividly describes with flawlessness the gritty, harsh, and lonely life of men desperately trying to make a living in something so raw and real. The scenes sculptures infinite beauty and utter fascination that paints richness that words cannot describe but causes you to stare in a breathless state of wonder.
The substance that really makes this film so beautiful is not just the breathtaking scenes alone for they're only a backdrop. It's the holy roller show down between Eli Sunday (Dano) and Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis) that makes this shining star spectacular. The scenes between these two driving individuals will make you squirm in your seat as you watch them battle it out in shouting matches or through glares and stares in complete unsettling silence that stiffens the air. The film also has some of the most memorable quotes, having everyone constantly saying; "Idrink your milkshake!" is making this phrase become a pop culture phenomena.
"There will be Blood" is 2007's film of the year. It's beautiful, it's brilliant, it's breathtaking beyond compare, and most of all its deep in ways most films can only scratch the surface of and lack in. Although the film missed out on best picture at the Oscars, this movie has won my heart. But take note this film is an intense, emotionally draining experience that means its tag line; "there will be greed, there will be vengeance" to its full potential.