The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 2 - 'There Will Be Blood’

Key Takeaways

Paul Thomas Anderson's 'There Will Be Blood' is designated as a 21st-century filmmaking masterpiece.
The film blends Western, gothic horror, and comedy genres while exploring American capitalism and ambition.
Daniel Day-Lewis's performance as Daniel Plainview is described as the greatest of the 21st century.
The narrative delves into complex father-son relationships and the corrupting nature of power and greed.
'There Will Be Blood' received 8 Oscar nominations, winning 2, but lost Best Picture to 'No Country for Old Men'.
The film draws thematic and stylistic parallels to cinematic classics like 'Chinatown' and 'Citizen Kane'.

Released in 2007, 'There Will Be Blood' was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, with cinematography by Robert Elswit and music by Jonny Greenwood.
The film grossed $76 million on a $25 million budget, marking a significant evolution in Anderson's post-'Punch Drunk Love' style.
Paul Dano initially had a minor role but took on the dual parts of Eli and Paul Sunday after another actor's dismissal, requiring extensive preparation.
Dylan Fraser, a non-professional actor from a Texas school, was cast as HW Plainview and has not acted professionally since.

'There Will Be Blood' explores the rise of oil barons and the proliferation of oil in America, based on Upton Sinclair's novel 'Oil'.
The film thematically clashes American capitalism and industry against God and religion, presented in an overdramatic and grand style.
It tackles significant themes of American capitalism, ambition, and family, reinterpreting prior works to create a discomfiting portrayal of alienation.
The hosts frame 'There Will Be Blood' as the first part of a trilogy about America, with '25th Hour' representing the contemporary installment.

The film intentionally lacks explicit explanations for Daniel Plainview's character development, prioritizing actions over direct exposition.
The train scene, where Plainview interacts with baby HW, is interpreted as a moment of tenderness and a foundation for his feelings towards his adopted son.
The relationship between Daniel Plainview and HW is highlighted as particularly affecting, especially the scene where HW loses his hearing after an oil derrick explosion.
Plainview's decision to leave HW is viewed as powerful storytelling, revealing character priorities through action, culminating in a profoundly upsetting later scene about HW's room.

Daniel Plainview's character embodies relentless drive, alcoholism, and moments of vulnerability, particularly in interactions with a new character.
The hosts discuss how the film uses Daniel Plainview's struggle with greed and ambition to explore themes of fatherhood and unexpected responsibility.
Paul Thomas Anderson's directorial style synthesizes film history and literary influences, adapting Upton Sinclair's 'Oil!' and incorporating real-life details.
The film's iconic line, 'I drink your milkshake,' is highlighted as a memorable, meme-worthy quote derived from the real-life Teapot Dome scandal.

Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal of Daniel Plainview is hailed as the greatest performance of the 21st century.
His intense, persona-driven acting style is discussed in the context of contemporary perceptions of serious acting roles.
The performance profoundly impacted Day-Lewis's career, establishing it as a defining role of the 21st century.
The hosts contrast this performance with his later roles in 'Lincoln' and 'Phantom Thread', considering shifts in his acting approach.

The discussion addresses Quentin Tarantino's recent podcast comments describing Paul Dano's performance as Eli Sunday as the weakest part of the film.
The hosts defend Dano's portrayal, arguing Eli Sunday effectively serves as a foil to Daniel Plainview, representing a different form of masculinity and ambition.
Eli Sunday's perceived weakness is considered intentional, contrasting with Plainview's more overt displays of power.
The film shows money and greed triumphing over faith, with Plainview manipulating Eli and his followers as faith is ultimately 'bludgeoned' by wealth.

'There Will Be Blood' received eight Academy Award nominations, winning two for Daniel Day-Lewis (Best Actor) and Robert Elswit (Best Cinematography).
The film lost Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay to 'No Country for Old Men' at the 2008 Academy Awards.
Additional Oscar losses included editing and sound editing to 'The Bourne Ultimatum' and art direction to 'Sweeney Todd'.
A 2007 review by Manola Dargis described the film as a personal endeavor engaged with cinematic history, deconstructing American success myths.

'There Will Be Blood' is compared to other films about tycoons, such as 'Chinatown' and 'Citizen Kane,' focusing on power and resource control.
The film's critical acclaim is evident in its rankings among the best films of the 21st century on lists from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and BBC.
The hosts debate the selection of 'There Will Be Blood' as Anderson's representative film for their list, with one host preferring 'The Master'.
They contrast the thematic straightforwardness of 'There Will Be Blood' with the mysterious nature and depth of 'The Master'.