There Will Be Blood

Daniel Day Lewis gives a performance worthy of 10,000 handshakes in Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling adaptive tale of turn of the century oil and greed. Lewis plays Daniel Plainvie, a rugged and driven prospector with a hot temper and a heavy hand. At Plainview’s side every step of the way is his young son and “partner,” H.W. A bond between father and son is established from a very early point in the film, running as a central theme throughout, as Anderson takes us from Plainview’s early days as a shrewd and aggressive “oil man” in the 1890s through his surly existence as a wealthy, burnt out alcoholic in the first years of the 20^th century. The majority of the film takes place in the tiny, desert hamlet of Little Boston, located in California’s Central Valley, where, benefiting from a local tip, Plainview buys up the surrounding land and drills his way to riches. Local preacher, Eli Sunday (played by Paul Dano), provides one of the many constant thorns in Plainview’s side.

    Much can be said about the supporting cast, as well as Johnny Greenwood’s incredible score and Robert Elswit’s breathtaking cinematography—but Lewis simply steals the show. His presence onscreen is so raw and profound, that it’s nearly impossible to look away. “Ladies and gentleman, if I say I’m an oil man you will agree.” Goddamn right.

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