Critic's Column
New film promises blood, does not disappoint
By Jacob Vannucci
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Culture
Coming into the theater, I wasn't entirely sure what the title of the movie "There Will Be Blood" was meant to signify.
Leaving the theater, I knew that the movie was drenched in blood, and in all things that blood can symbolize.
The movie, much like our current economy, has one thing at its center: oil, and the inevitable need to get as much of it as quickly as possible. Also included are themes of family, including the importance of blood relations and religion, as shown in the baptism scene from the theatrical trailer which references being "washed in the blood of the lamb."
Daniel Day-Lewis ("Last of the Mohicans," "Gangs of New York") is featured in the starring role as Daniel Plainview, a self-proclaimed "oil man" who has a singular obsession with oil, money and conquest.
Writer and director P. T. Anderson ("Boogie Nights," "Magnolia") explores issues of greed, family, religion and the American dream in the movie. Loosely based on Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!," the movie runs 158 minutes.
Plainview is not totally alone, though. He has his adoptive son, H. W. (Dillon Freasier), whom he brings along on deals to ensure the appearance of a "family business," as well as a long lost half brother who appears halfway through the movie. How both relationships end show something about the true importance of family and blood.
Technically, the film is a masterpiece. Anderson masterfully tells the story of Plainview in the seemingly barren wasteland that is the California wilderness, working the pacing of the film to ensure that viewers never get bored despite some lulls in the action. In addition, Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood created a hauntingly epic score for the film.
In reality, though, perhaps Anderson's best move was allowing Day-Lewis to roam free. His portrayal of Plainview is perhaps the single most engrossing performance I've ever seen on film.
The other actors on the film don't let Day-Lewis do the only heavy lifting, however. Paul Dano ("Little Miss Sunsine") also adds much to the film. As Eli Sunday, a preacher and healer who has his own church and challenges Plainview's dominance, Dano portrays the other dark side of the American dream: religion, and its ability to be abused by those who wish to do so.
There is something mesmerizing about Plainview as he embodies the American character, be it his relentless drive, unbending will or clarity of vision. Just as we see today as we still search the ground for oil, this can lead to greed, vengeance and violence.
Leaving the theater, I knew that the movie was drenched in blood, and in all things that blood can symbolize.
The movie, much like our current economy, has one thing at its center: oil, and the inevitable need to get as much of it as quickly as possible. Also included are themes of family, including the importance of blood relations and religion, as shown in the baptism scene from the theatrical trailer which references being "washed in the blood of the lamb."
Daniel Day-Lewis ("Last of the Mohicans," "Gangs of New York") is featured in the starring role as Daniel Plainview, a self-proclaimed "oil man" who has a singular obsession with oil, money and conquest.
Writer and director P. T. Anderson ("Boogie Nights," "Magnolia") explores issues of greed, family, religion and the American dream in the movie. Loosely based on Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!," the movie runs 158 minutes.
Plainview is not totally alone, though. He has his adoptive son, H. W. (Dillon Freasier), whom he brings along on deals to ensure the appearance of a "family business," as well as a long lost half brother who appears halfway through the movie. How both relationships end show something about the true importance of family and blood.
Technically, the film is a masterpiece. Anderson masterfully tells the story of Plainview in the seemingly barren wasteland that is the California wilderness, working the pacing of the film to ensure that viewers never get bored despite some lulls in the action. In addition, Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood created a hauntingly epic score for the film.
In reality, though, perhaps Anderson's best move was allowing Day-Lewis to roam free. His portrayal of Plainview is perhaps the single most engrossing performance I've ever seen on film.
The other actors on the film don't let Day-Lewis do the only heavy lifting, however. Paul Dano ("Little Miss Sunsine") also adds much to the film. As Eli Sunday, a preacher and healer who has his own church and challenges Plainview's dominance, Dano portrays the other dark side of the American dream: religion, and its ability to be abused by those who wish to do so.
There is something mesmerizing about Plainview as he embodies the American character, be it his relentless drive, unbending will or clarity of vision. Just as we see today as we still search the ground for oil, this can lead to greed, vengeance and violence.
