Oh My God!

Rating: 10/10 (25 February 2008)

There Will Be Blood was by far the best film I've seen in the past five years.
Most of my opinions were echoed by other comments here, but the performance by Daniel Day-Lewis was so brilliant, so raw, and so captivating that I just have to say it again here. They say that Daniel prepared a year for this role, and it has paid off. Daniel nurtured and grew his character scene by scene to what would ultimately become a grotesque, ugly, angry, paranoid, and border-line psychopathic old man. The entire transformation or growing of Daniel Plainview was done with such perfection of acting skill and talent that an Oscar win must be immanent, and it will be a performance referenced to for decades if not centuries to come. Daniel Day-Lewis literally gave a "perfect" performance.
Another aspect I'd like to comment on is the soundtrack. Some people say the soundtrack was "uncomfortable" and "unusual", but I felt that the soundtrack was more accurate and fitting. Every time Daniel Plainview realized why he hated humanity when he felt he was being lied to, betrayed, swindled, or threatened by competition you can FEEL it in the soundtrack. You can feel the seed of his hatred grow with each moment he interacted with his sellers and partners through the music. It was absolutely beautiful in my opinion.
For any actor out there, this film, and more importantly, Daniel Day-Lewis' performance must be dissected and studied carefully.
In conclusion, this film is a master-piece, and you must watch it if you enjoy great films.