A modern classic.

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 2009)

Simply said, "..Blood" is a modern classic. One of the top movies of all time. Day-Lewis is absolutely spectacular. One of the most memorable and entertaining performances by an actor you will ever see on screen. And Dano delivers a breakthrough performance that should've gotten a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Both actors display an amazing chemistry in the baptismal scene and the final climactic bowling alley scene in particular.
Coming from a Kubrick fan, "..Blood" has all the makings of a Kubrick-like film. Stanley would be proud. No dialogue in the first 10-15 minutes of the movie, but it sets the groundwork and tone for the movie, reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The beautiful camera shots of the landscape and the well-placed eerie background tones, reminiscent of The Shining. The moving camera shots, time period costuming, and the lighting, for instance in the church, reminiscent of Barry Lyndon. This movie didn't win a cinematography Oscar for nothing. The close up on Day-Lewis' face covered in oil and sweat showing the madness in his eyes, as well as the bashing with the bowling pin in the final scene, reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange. And the ending that cuts to black and into a great classical music score, reminiscent of Eyes Wide Shut. This film cements PTA as a great director. I never thought we'd see another director like Kubrick, but in this film, PTA comes pretty damn close.
Superior acting performances, great directing, beautiful camera work, and a compelling screenplay. This one's got it all.