There Will Be Blood

There Will Be Blood (2007) Review: A Modern Masterpiece of Greed and Ambition

Introduction

Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood (2007) is a cinematic tour de force that explores the dark side of the American Dream through a powerful narrative of greed, ambition, and betrayal. Based loosely on Upton Sinclair’s novel Oil!, the film presents a compelling portrait of early 20th-century capitalism and its moral consequences. With its striking performances, intricate storytelling, and masterful direction, There Will Be Blood stands out as one of the most critically acclaimed films of the 21st century.

Plot Summary

There Will Be Blood follows the rise and fall of Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), an ambitious oilman whose relentless pursuit of wealth leads to personal and moral decay. The plot unfolds as follows:

1. The Ambitious Start: The film begins in the late 19th century, with Daniel Plainview working as a silver miner who stumbles upon an opportunity to drill for oil. His discovery of a lucrative oil field sets him on a path of ruthless ambition.
2. The Acquisition: Plainview adopts a facade of a humble family man and begins acquiring land from local farmers. He presents himself as a benefactor, promising prosperity to those who sell their land. His manipulative tactics and sheer determination drive his quest for success.
3. Conflict with Eli Sunday: The story introduces Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a local preacher who sees an opportunity to leverage his influence for personal gain. Eli and Plainview’s relationship becomes increasingly antagonistic as their conflicting interests and moral values clash.
4. The Rise and Fall: As Plainview’s wealth and power grow, his relationships deteriorate. The film delves into themes of isolation, madness, and moral corruption as Plainview’s pursuit of oil leads to a series of personal and professional crises.
5. The Climactic Confrontation: The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Plainview and Sunday, revealing the true nature of Plainview’s character and the consequences of his unrelenting ambition.

Themes and Interpretation

There Will Be Blood is rich with thematic complexity:

• Greed and Corruption: At its core, the film is an exploration of greed and its corrosive effects. Plainview’s ambition drives him to commit morally reprehensible acts, showcasing the destructive nature of unchecked greed.
• The American Dream: The film critiques the concept of the American Dream by portraying it as a double-edged sword. Plainview’s success is built on exploitation and deception, revealing the darker side of the pursuit of wealth.
• Isolation and Madness: Plainview’s journey highlights themes of isolation and madness. His single-minded pursuit of success alienates him from those around him, leading to a psychological unraveling.
• Religious Hypocrisy: The film also addresses religious hypocrisy through the character of Eli Sunday. His manipulative use of religion for personal gain mirrors Plainview’s exploitation of the oil industry.

Direction and Cinematography

Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction of There Will Be Blood is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and ambitious vision:

• Visual Style: The film’s cinematography, by Robert Elswit, is notable for its sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups. The use of natural light and vast, desolate settings reflects the film’s themes of isolation and ambition.
• Symbolic Imagery: Anderson employs symbolic imagery to enhance the narrative, such as the oil drilling scenes, which serve as metaphors for the characters’ inner turmoil and moral decay.
• Pacing and Tone: The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for a deep exploration of character and theme. The tone is somber and intense, reflecting the gravity of Plainview’s actions and the consequences of his ambition.

Performances

The performances in There Will Be Blood are exceptional, with Daniel Day-Lewis delivering a tour de force:

• Daniel Day-Lewis: Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Daniel Plainview is nothing short of extraordinary. His performance captures the character’s complexity, from his charismatic charm to his ruthless cruelty. Day-Lewis won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, and his performance remains a highlight of contemporary cinema.
• Paul Dano: Dano’s dual role as Eli Sunday and his twin brother Paul Sunday provides a powerful counterpoint to Plainview’s character. Dano’s portrayal adds depth to the film’s exploration of religious and moral themes.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting cast, including Kevin J. O’Connor and Ciarán Hinds, contributes to the film’s rich character tapestry, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Critical Reception

There Will Be Blood received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of the best films of the 21st century. The film was praised for its powerful performances, striking visuals, and intricate storytelling. It won two Academy Awards (Best Actor for Day-Lewis and Best Cinematography for Elswit) and was nominated for several others, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Available Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options

For those interested in watching There Will Be Blood (2007), the film is available on several platforms:

1. Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase. Rental prices are typically around $3.99, and purchasing the film costs approximately $14.99.
2. Apple iTunes: Available for rental and purchase, with rental prices around $3.99 and purchase prices about $14.99.
3. Google Play Movies & TV: The film can be rented or bought here, with rental prices around $3.99 and purchase prices about $14.99.
4. Hulu: Occasionally available as part of their streaming library; check for current availability.
5. HBO Max: Sometimes included in their film library; check for current availability.

Conclusion

Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood (2007) is a masterful film that delves into themes of greed, ambition, and moral decay with intensity and precision. With its standout performances, striking visuals, and thought-provoking narrative, the film offers a powerful exploration of the human cost of ambition. For those interested in experiencing this modern classic, There Will Be Blood is readily available on various streaming platforms and digital rental services.