Daniel Day Lewis shines in this astounding masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2016)

Director Paul Thomas Anderson, the innovative mind behind the critically acclaimed 'Boogie Nights', 'Magnolia', and 'The Master', shows off his blissful talent to the silver screen in this somber cinematic adaption of Upton Sinclair's 1920s novel Oil!. There Will Be Blood is an ingenious effort that simply can't be ignored, regardless if you have grown in the Paul Thomas Anderson fanfare or not, or adored the arresting talent of three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day Lewis. Anderson comprises together a powerful narrative inspired by Upton Sinclair's Classic literary work and irresistible performances to put together what can easily be called a true cinematic gem. Set in the early 1900s, Daniel Day Lewis plays Daniel Plainview, an ambitious oil driller working for an oil rig in rural New Mexico community. Plainview is indeed a hard worker but also crucially demanding when it comes to reaching his goals in the oil company and providing for him and his adopted son H.W. (played by Dillon Freasier). Sprawling across the deserted community, Plainview meets Paul Sunday (played by Paul Dano), son of a farming family who informs him of an oil supply in California. Plainview makes a deal with Paul's twin brother Eli (also played by Paul Dano), an evangelist church pastor to sell their property to provide for their church. As they begin to pump off the oil from the property, Daniel becomes consumed with greed and hatred that contributes to a bizarre relationship between him and Eli.
Daniel Day Lewis has boasted an astonishing acting talent over the past two decades, and much can be proved by this triumphant appearances such as in Jim Sheridan's 'My Left foot, Martin Scorses's 'Gangs of New York', and Steven Spielberg biopic drama 'Lincoln'. Though his filmography runs somewhat infrequent filmography, he's elevated the ladder to become what many consider one of the finest Hollywood actors of this generation. This method actor portrays the main character of Daniel Plainview, a devoted father with deep care of his oil business as well as his young son but leaves himself swallowed in greediness and cold-hearted personality. Lewis fuels this role with what is possibly his most astounding performance he's given in his career. He delivers such a captivating portrayal in this role it allows viewers feel the heat of the character's emotionality. The Oscar acquired by his performance definitely comes to no surprise. Paul Dano takes on the often challenging task of playing dual roles, portraying twin brothers Paul and Eli, the latter which is a church pastor. Like Lewis, Dano knocks the ball out of park with his performances. He makes a pretty interesting character in the story, a God-loving farmer who is caught in an enigmatic relationship with Daniel Plainview. He gets his best time to shine during the scenes in which he preaches sermons and baptisms, his portrayal stand strong, if a little off-putting by the emotional tension played in these scenes.
Paul Thomas Anderson is shown to have a gift in not only directing but powerful storytelling. While the film is based on Upton Sinclair's novel, this film takes some notable liberties from the book to show that Anderson has something more interesting in mind. Boasting a story of the main character's desperation to rise to the top, the film explores themes of hate, greed, religion, family relationships, and capitalism; and the writing by Anderson makes just enough for the story to explore each of them almost evenly. Religion plays a significant factor in the story as Paul Dano's character Eli Sunday is a church pastor who pleads for nothing more than his godly relationship. In one scene, he tries to help Daniel redeem himself from his greed and hateful behavior by inviting him to be baptized and recover from his past mistakes including his treatment of his son. Another intriguing (though less significant) is his son H.W's friendship with Eli's little sister Mary who is mentioned to be beaten by her father if she doesn't pray. The biggest and most gripping factor however, comes from the complex relationship between Daniel and Eli which faces a radical twists and surprises throughout the course of the film. The film moves a rather slow pace but at the same time, presents a gripping atmosphere and Anderson's screenplay. And let's not forget the engaging music score by Jonny Greenwood.
There Will Be Blood is certainly what I call a true cinematic masterpiece. Blessed by the astounding direction and writing by Paul Thomas Anderson, and the arresting performances by Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Dano, this film is an endearing piece of work that is bound to go down as a classic possibly within the next decade.