Interesting time piece but devoid of a plot that is worthy of the acting

Rating: 7/10 (7 August 2014)

A new age of discovery movie that takes two apolar individuals , pits them against each other and brings you into their heads in a way previously done by the likes of Kubrick and Copolla. The false hope that is being pedaled is a bit offensive as is the desperation in that it is sold. Oil for one, and God by the other. Both Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Dano are excellent in how they dupe themselves along with others in their endeavors. But the sadness of such existences is only shown, not felt. The story line is predictable that not even the blaring musical tension can elevate. DDL had depth as Bill The Butcher in "Gangs of New York", but despite a sincere commitment, he is still a one dimensional character, albeit a charming one. Some movies are discussed in reference or even comparison to others by the same director, actor or genre. Others stand out as unique. "There Will Be Blood" has some of both, which is to say there is much to discuss in those regards. The bottom line is what needs to be considered, and this movie takes a long time to evidence a lack of character development and to show to unsurprising results of such an existence.