Not what I expected

Rating: 8/10 (14 February 2008)

I was expecting a film to equal Magnolia or Gangs of New York (both 10's in my estimation). This was barely an 8.
My mild disappointment begins with Daniel Day-Lewis' very eccentric performance. Maybe the director wanted to have an enigma as the central character, but throughout the film (and afterward), I was trying to get a focus on what Mr. Plainview wanted. I still don't know.
The "conversion" scene in church, and the final scene in the bowling alley--plenty of emotion was being displayed, but if the motivation is beyond comprehension, how do we know this is not just scenery-chewing? The final scene in the bowling alley was very well-constructed, very powerful, but very baffling. After the film, as I exited the theater with other mid-week matinée patrons, I heard several commenting on how the film was not as good as they had heard it was. I can't help but agree.
The film is very interesting, worthwhile, and thought-provoking. The technical aspects are superb. This is not DDL's best work. He certainly deserves an Oscar. But not for this.