very over rated

Rating: 6/10 (23 February 2008)

Perhaps I went in with high expectations, but I was quite disappointed. The long opening sequence designed to show the hard, hard determination of Daniel Plainview was just OK and at times rather self indulgent (where is the editor??). I am sorry but it wasn't visually that great. Yes, the setting is spectacular... But you have to do more than just show up and turn the camera on. And please don't tell me it was "understated" or meant to be done that way. It was just really average. There is nothing wrong with long sequences. One of my favorite scenes of all time is the opening from The Sacrifice (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091670/) so I am happy to be patient if there is some sort of artistic payoff. But sadly, not enough of one. The film is two and a half hours long, yet I never get a sense of the where the characters come from. The basics. Whats their motivation ? What drives them ? I am happy to connect the dots or fill in the details, but a film maker has to give you *some* structure on which to let your imagination work. Otherwise, I can just stay home and engage in wonton speculation. Is Eli supposed to be the mirror image of Daniel ? Or just a pale wannabe ? Sure. What about the son ? I was hoping more would be done there or at least focus on the tensions between father and son.. But not really. The ending ? That was just inadequate and in bad taste. And I have to mention the sound. At one point I started to giggle when this incredible overbearing Shostikovitch like tempo set to Daniel and his faux brother.. surveying the land. Yes, that's right. Imagine the Star Trek fight music set to guys staking and surveying the land. Huh ? Michael Clayton and No Country For Old Men were far better movies.