PT is da man!

Rating: 7/10 (4 March 2008)

Let me first state that I have always been an admirer of PT Anderson's work. This film is, in my estimation, no exception to the rule. Its beautifully photographed. It has some fine work by the supporting cast.
The score, by Johnny Greenwood, is an mix of sampled pieces from other film composers work.
Anderson has stated that he considers this film to be a work of horror and you certainly get that with the way the "score" is utilized (what was Anderson thinking?) The script, based on the work "Oil" by Upton Sinclair is challenging and I appreciate Anderson's attempt at the adaptation. The levels of evil that the two main characters sink to is often a marvel to behold and I must say I found Mr. Plainview's evil far more "honest" than Eli Sunday's slimy evangelist.
This brings me to the performance of Mr. Lewis. This is where the film shows its greatest flaw. Apparently, Anderson watched "The Treasure of Sierre Madre" prior to producing this work. It shows up most frequently in the performance of Mr. Lewis. Its a mannered, opaque impersonation of Misters John and Walter Huston(with a little Walter Brennan thrown in for good measure). It may be one of Mr. Lewis's worst performances and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. Since the film sinks or swims based on the performance of the main character I cannot heartily recommend the film. But it was a decent try. Be sure to check out the sly reference to the "Beverly Hillbillies". I thought it was pretty fun