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| Movie Review: There Will Be Blood Alternate Title: Of Profit, Prophets and Greed
Story: Director and writer Paul
Thomas Anderson broke through to another level of brilliance
with his amazing new film. The late and great director Robert
Altman knew what he was doing when he handpicked PT Anderson
to be by his side during the shooting of his last film, A Prairie
Home Companion. This artistic young man has a wonderful career
ahead of him and I can't wait to see the future products he delivers
to the big screen. I liked everything about this film and I can't
get it out of my head. The story is loosely based on the novel 'Oil'
by Upton Sinclair. Anderson brilliantly introduces
us to the main character, Daniel Plainview as he toils alone in 1898,
to find oil. For a full 15 minutes there is not a word of dialogue but
in those 15 minutes we totally understand the nature of this protagonist.
I was hooked. Fast forward four years and we find Plainview
selling the American dream of riches to an unsuspecting farmer mentality.
How he works his magic, sells his ideas and meets a young religious
prophet is the heart of the tale. Parallel stories collide as the worlds
of capitalism, religious fervor and the dream of riches cross paths.
Greed, it turns out - is not so good. Hang on to your hats, it is going
to be a bumpy ride. There is much to this story that unfolds over
30 years including the fascinating relationship between Plainview and
his son and Plainview's relationship with the rest of humanity. What
drives this man to do the horrific things he does is great cinema. You
will not meet a character like this one for a very long time. This is both exhilarating and exhausting and
is my choice for the best film of 2007 - hands down. Acting: Daniel Day Lewis gives the
performance of a lifetime. He is always spectacular, but this time -
he leaves you breathless. He is in almost every scene and he will knock
your socks off with this tour de force performance. Bravo! Paul
Dano (Little Miss Sunshine), as the young preacher
holds his own with the master. Good for him! Dillon Freasier
as the son is quite remarkable. The rest of the ensemble cast is great
too. Predilection: I like PT Anderson and am always a
fan of Daniel Day Lewis.
Critters: Goats, horses and other livestock.
Food: Steak, milk and lots of whiskey
Sex Spectrum: No sex - too busy preachin' or profitin'
Soundtrack: The soundtrack is astounding. The genius
of composer Johnny Greenwood of 'Radiohead' was perfect.
The dissonance and edginess of the notes moved the movie forward when
there was no dialogue. Terrific!
Opening Titles: The vast desolate landscape revealed
prior to the title in white letters over black background.
Visual Art: The cinematography was a major part of
the film by Robert Elswit and designed by Jack
Fisk.
Theater Audience: It was an advanced screening and
it was packed. Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift for a nanosecond. Predictability Level: I was not sure what was going
to happen.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Oh my, yes!
Big Screen or Rental: The bigger the screen the better.
For PT Andersons other films, try renting, Boogie
Nights, Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love.
Length: Two hours and 38 minutes. I know, I know
- it is way over the two hour rule but I forgive.
LOBO HOWLS: 9.5
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