Bay Area Film Fan

Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s novel is a movie everyone should see. This is a film that showcases one of the best actors alive today in Daniel Day-Lewis. His performance has got to be considered one of the all-time best. At times, I felt as if I was watching a one-man play, but in a good way. Day-Lewis is mesmerizing as the morally confused Daniel Plainview and he makes watching a movie with a slow plot as exciting as can be.

Day-Lewis is not the only actor who deserves kudos. Young Dillon Freasier pulls off a haunting performance as Day-Lewis’ son and Paul Dano is disturbing as the preacher Eli Sunday. Watching all three of these actors work is like watching an amazing theater troupe perform on stage.

I also love films that are beautifully shot. Robert Elswit paints a wonderful landscape with his camera as he captures turn of the century California. He keeps the film dark by playing with the shadows rather than just under-lighting the scene. There is a richness to this film that harkens back to the glory black and white film days, but Elswit does it with color so when the derrick erupts in flames the amber glow is incredible.

While the acting, writing, cinematography and directing is superb the film is long and might not be for everyone. If you like films that never stop moving, with constant action and an electric pace, “There Will Be Blood” is not for you. This is a contemplative film that asks the audience to dive head first into such heavy questions as what is the nature of religion, greed, family and community. The story lines can be confusing, the characters are very complex and the resolutions unclear, but if you are willing to stick it out the powerful messages of Anderson’s artful script will be with you for days.

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Film’s website: http://www.therewillbeblood.com