Epic Mediocrity

Rating: 6/10 (3 August 2008)

This leisurely-paced drama recounts the life and times of a ruthless oil tycoon. There are fine performances from Day-Lewis (seemingly doing a John Huston impression) and Dano, but there is little to the plot to hold one's interest for nearly three hours. Anderson is the emperor with no clothes. As with "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia," he makes an overlong film out of mediocre material, believing that audiences will equate great length with great film (and apparently the masses have done just that). Like "Magnolia," this too meanders aimlessly and has a ridiculous ending. The dissonant score is interesting if sometimes grating, and doesn't seem to be in sync with the visuals.