Astounding

Rating: 10/10 (1 November 2015)

It's a powerful film. We're thrown in, full toss, into the madness of men who must have what they want. Be it the oil in the ground or control over others by economics or 'god'. It's a very American film, in terms of that which it shows; a man striding across the scape, taking what's 'his', bending nature to his will during the ever growing control achievable by the machine age; an excellent portrayal of that mindset 'I am what I conquer'. It explains and gives us the United States of today through its imagery, the sheer bloody mindedness to 'succeed' to take and drink deep, these were the events that created the mythical American dream. That lynch-pin of the entire nation, 'You too, can have it all'. The segment where Plainview --an excellent name for a man so set by his will, so simple in his objective-- strides across the land to the Pacific Ocean, simply brilliant. The whole thing, from the movement, the scenery, to the score.
This film describes the seeds of that which gave the nation its purpose, to have it all and f##k anyone who tries to stand taller.
A good Hollywood choice, there aren't many that really outclass this.
DDL is such a massive presence on the screen, he's the actor I'd be if I'd got that break. :~)