Random Mexican’s Movie Reviews

Sunday, January 06, 2008
Movie Reviews: THERE WILL BE BLOOD
IN THEATHERS





THERE WILL BE BLOOD




At the turn of the 20th century, Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) is a poor prospector who finally strikes it rich when he finds oil. However, money doesn't quite bring happiness and, in fact, it brings a whole host of new problems with which he has to contend.




Cast Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Kevin J. O'Connor, Ciaran Hinds, Dillon Freasier (more)




Director(s) Paul Thomas Anderson




Writer(s) Paul Thomas Anderson




Status In theaters (limited)




Genre(s) Drama




Release Date Dec. 26, 2007




Running Time 160 minutes




MPAA Rating R - for some violence




Review:




There Will Be Blood isn't the kind of film that causal movie goers will seek out or enjoy. That isn't to say that this isn't a great film, just not the kind that will be a general crowd pleaser. From the opening moments, recalling the dawn of man scene from Kubrick's 2001, we get a dialogue-less wonderfully shot and scored sequence that sets the mood perfectly. There Will Be Blood's plot is like a classic all American success story but Paul Thomas Anderson flips it on its side giving us the dirtiest grimiest and more unsightly aspects of it. Anderson's film is unrelenting yet quiet giving the audience time to thing about every word of dialogue and glance. Running at just under 3 hours, no time is wasted on superfluous filler and when the film comes to an end you'll feel entirely content with the experience, more so after you allow the haunting performances to fester and digest. This is Daniel Day-Lewis's show and he doesn't disappoint. As soon as he speaks his first bit of dialogue you are enthralled and captivated by his creation. His visage is simmering with hatred and general disdain for anyone he interacts with throughout the film. Lewis owns the screen and it's impossible to take your eyes off him. Paul Dano does a similarly impressive job as Lewis bible thumping adversary. Dano plays his role perfectly giving his character and underlying sliminess that isn't apparent or confirmed throughout the film. It's a testament to the cerebral nature of this film. Anderson allows his audience to watch and process the information never just explaining it outright. Artistic and powerful this may be Paul Thomas Anderson's best film.




A