95% Does what it wants

Rating: 10/10 (7 December 2014)

This is my favourite film and has been since my first viewing.
I have read a few accounts of the film on this site which have been hypercritical of its ambling plot line, slow but steady directing style and insignificant story. I, however, think these points are values that add up towards this films incredibly forceful climax. I think (as my title suggests) that this film quite happily goes against the flow of the more regularly sourced dramas which use the same techniques to get to the viewer and therefore seem quite insignificant. This film stands out by not trying to stand out.
Day Lewis carries this film forwards like a splenetic, incensed bull knocking over everything in his way and intimidating the hell out of the other cast. I struggle to think of another actor that could bear this film and all of its subtle character transformations. I also very much enjoyed the presence of Dano as the mislead but wilful priest who is Plainview's main antagonist.
Paul Thomas Anderson masterfully builds suspense in scene through scene of this film. He makes full use of the incredible surrounding landscape and of DDL's incredible talent for complete intimidation and overpowering presence.
All in all I think this film is undoubtedly an epic of character transformation, of deceit and of no substantial meaning without wanting or needing it.
95%