MOVIE REVIEW: THERE WILL BE BLOOD

01/12/08

SYNOPSIS: A sprawling epic of family, faith, power and oil, THERE WILL BE BLOOD is set on the incendiary frontier of California’s turn-of-the-century petroleum boom. The story chronicles the life and times of one Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), who transforms himself from a down-and-out silver miner raising a son on his own into a self-made oil tycoon.

REVIEW: In the midst of the countless “political” movies that have been released in recent times dealing with the various conflicts that exist still today, it is only fitting that a movie dealing with the advent of oil production also be released. But wow, what a movie and what performances. From the very beginning, the eerie music sets the tone for a masterpiece of human ambition, determination, and greed. Not a single word is uttered in the first 15 or so minutes and not a single word is needed. Digging relentlessly in search of whatever can help him make a living, Mr. Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) eventually stumbles upon black gold right around the turn of the century. He is determined to succeed at any cost and stepping on anybody’s back. “I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people.” Spoken like a true successful businessman. Or is it more like a true successful liar, sneaky negotiator, oil hunting con artist? Priscilla best describes him as cold-hearted. You can decide for yourselves. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, he’s also a filthy rich crazy man who is a genius when it comes to the business of oil.

This was a powerful film with powerful performances, as I mentioned before. Starting with the first honorable mention, Dillon Freasier who played Mr. Plainview’s young son and business associate, H.W., the bar is set pretty high up. I’ll tell you again and again, I just don’t understand where they get these incredibly talented super young actors from . . . it’s overwhelming. Paul Dano with a double role as twin brothers Paul and Eli Sunday had another ground-breaking performance, his first being his role in Little Miss Sunshine. The role of Paul Sunday was small but important. Now the role of Eli is where Mr. Dano really let it all loose. He reminded me of a young Edward Norton. He was quite impressive. As far as Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis, what can you say. Watching him at work in this movie is like not watching a movie at all. It is like looking through a time machine into the past and watching the events as they would have actually taken place. He makes the role that real. And the Oscar goes to . . .

This film was a bit long and might draw a brief yawn from the viewers, but all in all the storyline is captivating just enough to hold your attention and coupled with the acting, well you’re in for a treat if you can appreciate those kinds of things. The movie that kept coming into mind in comparison is The Aviator. I do find this one to be a little more intense than Aviator. In both cases, the performances by the lead actors are truly top notch, but where I find The Aviator to seem more historical, I see more plot in this one. The cinematography in this production was also very well done. You can tell that a lot of effort was put in to showing the turn of the century look as seen through the wardrobe, construction, transportation, scenery, and overall technology. Even the dialogue was well written to fit the time. Writer/Director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love) continues to demonstrate his talent. Of course, working with Daniel Day-Lewis makes it a little easier to accomplish.

Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

People Movie Review There Will Be Blood

Reynard Jay

100

(more of an analysis than a review)

These are the pictures which have ledthe way to this dark masterpiece: Citizen Kane; East of Eden; Giant; the Wire.

The film has one hell of a score and script. Many will not be able to get through it, or appreciate the content. It separates the men from the boys, so to speak.

Everyone he trusted betrayed him. Possibly impotent, he did not relate to women or to sex of any kind. His master was his ambition for self worth, which for the values of the times, meant money and power. So it seems his soul was even more barren than the lands he explored for oil. In the end he found no redemption nor cause for celebration, except perhaps in the destruction of his betrayers, thus emptiness beyond that.

There were opportunities for peace and love but circumstances, the harshness of survival might have interfered. And something always gave him an excuse to reject those moments or to forgive human weaknesses.

The portrayal of Daniel Plainview is by far one of the most memorable in film. Daniel Day-Lewis can portray a wicked character with sympathy and
scariness like no other actor I have ever seen. One supporting actor was absolutely superb; Paul Dano, played the self deluded evangelical
Eli Sunday, with such force that the entire story is enhanced.

I would recommend this film only to those who like a good challenge. A film that one cannot fully appreciate until it's over and had some time to think about. Five stars.

Serara

I hated this movie with a passion. I t was like watching the aviator movie, again. The writer took sides in this movie. The story needed to be told as it was recorded, told and wrote. I quess the producers had to make this a movie goer movie. Please can anyone write a movie and tell the truth. History is not worth telling, if it has to be full of lies and made up drama. Shame on some Hollywood writers.

Devin

I have three thoughts for this movie:
1. It is carried by the compelling performance of DD Lewis; his
    character was almost identical to his role in "Gangs of New York", and keeps
    you spellbound until a very abrupt end. Unfortunately, all other acting
    pales in comparison.
2. It begs for prequel and sequel, and could become a true epic like
    "The Godfather."
3. It made me wonder if it was based on a history of the GW Bush
    family.

Gartism

About an hour too long (as historical pieces seem to be nowadays) but masterful portrayals by DD Lewis and Paul Dano are what you'll remember
from watching this.
One man's descent into despair and depravity...you may call it madness,
but when you're rich it's called "eccentricity"...by sacrificing the lamb in exchange for the blood of the earth. DD Lewis is the actor's version of Punxsutawney Phil - he surfaces rarely, but when he does...everyone pays attention.

Robers

Why would someone make a prequel to this movie? Also, why would it matter if it is based on the Bush family? It was written in 1927 about a man traveling to California.

I would not of watched this movie if I were sooner informed of Paul Dano were in it. He's the nastiest thing on the screen and I'm happy and excited with the humiliation he dealt with.

Too much to talk about in this movie. Nevermind, I forgot that there was hardly any dialogue for the first 15 minutes.

Rehman Khilji	20
Apart from DD Lewis acting, well i guess this movie is not for everyone. Many will be bored, just like my family and if you take someone out for this movie, then i guess dont expect much afterwards.

Againando

Perhaps a bit too long but well organized movie; oil industry in US at the dawn of the century as the background that is a part of true history, an eccentric but energetic entrepreneur-minded oil man who should have been there notwithstanding his name, conflict between generations commonly observed any time and anywhere, confrontation between holy although somewhat sneaky and vulgar again you can find any time and anywhere, power and violence as basic undercurrent in US. In short this movie is peculiar as well as universal that is worth praising.