Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview, an oil tycoon whose major driving force is greed. He promises the residents of Little Boston, California that he'll build roads, schools and churches in exchange for land, but he never does any of that. He gets into some trouble with preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Dano, a far cry from his near-mute role in Little Miss Sunshine) as he delves deeper into his need for power and control.
Jonny Greenwood's score captures Plainview's psyche. The string instruments that are prominently used throughout emphasizes both the tensions shown on-screen and Plainview's nerves slowly beginning to fray.
Robert Elswit's cinematography also matches Plainview's personality as being vast and empty. It's one of the few times where the cinematography plays a part in the story.
Anderson, who previously made excellent ensembles, shows he can make a movie that's a one-man show. Day-Lewis, the one-man show himself, is a powerhouse tour de force as Plainview. There Will Be Blood is a gripping tale that blends greed, religion and manipulation.
My Rating: *****
Great movie! I reviewed it awhile back - it made the 1001 Movies to See Before You Die List if you'd like to check it out:
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Really enjoyed this one! :)
Loved this one! Daniel Day-Lewis was so good. I thought Paul Dano was wonderful as well. He doesn't get enough recognition for it.
ReplyDeleteGreat movie indeed. It's a bit slow and over-indulgent but Daniel Day Lewis is absolutely fantastic. And let's not forget Paul Dano who gives one of his signature performance so far.
ReplyDeleteTerrific movie with two fantastic performances. One of the best film's I've seen in that last ten years. It just begs to be watched, then watched again.
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