Daniel Day-Lewis is Top of The Acting Tree

Rating: 9/10 (15 July 2016)

I was initially drawn to this film after watching Gangs of New York for the first time (yes I know I was late to the party.) Daniel Day-Lewis breathes authenticity into every role he plays and I couldn't wait to see him at the centre of this oil drilling story. Set from 1898 through to 1927 the film follows the tale successful business Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis). Day-Lewis gives one of the greatest performances I have seen by bringing the maleficent, manipulative and complex character to life. There are two relationships that are integral to the story. The first is between Daniel and his adopted son HW. Everything is all good in the early days until an explosion leaves HW deaf and Daniel not quite knowing how to deal with it. When the explosion happens Daniel is thrilled with the amount of oil discovered and the money he can make from it, while not really fussed by his son's serious condition. The brilliance of this shows the true purpose of Daniel life and his psychopathic characteristics. His true feelings are further emphasized towards the end of the film where he confronts his son and informs him of his adoption.
The second relationship is between Daniel and Eli, a preacher who is trying to do what he sees best for his church. This spawns a conflict which intensifies and leads to the greatest scene in this film. "I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE" has become an immortal line for me and the scene was brilliantly directed to show the victorious Daniel Plainview's maliciousness.
Clocking in at 2 hours 38 minutes, it's hardly an easy watch. The film modulates between edge of seat intensity and casual conversation in a beautiful way which add gravity to the more memorable scenes. There Will Be Blood is a great film and a phenomenal showcase of Daniel Day-Lewis' acting ability.