Hello and welcome to my new blog dedicated to providing my views on all that the film world has to offer.
Over the next few weeks (or until I find a job) I hope to vent some of my excitement, disappointment or anger at any film I have seen old or new. So onto my first review the 2007 gritty drama There Will Be Blood.
Starring Daniel Day Lewis as the psychotic Daniel Plainview, it tells the story of ambition, greed and corruption during Southern California's oil boom at the turn of the twentieth century.
In the opening we are introduced to Plainview a mineral prospector, who while drilling stumbles across oil. Seizing the opportunity Plainview starts a small drilling company which soon becomes profitable.
Hearing of his success he is approached by Paul Sunday who tells him of an oil deposit under his family's land. Plainview manages to buy the land and surrounding areas. In his quest for wealth Plainview must deal with onsite accidents, a man claiming to be his brother, and the interference of meddling local pastor Eli Sunday.
There Will Be Blood gained critical acclaim on its release, praising Daniel Day Lewis for his ruthless, menacing performance, and the striking cinematography and relentless soundtrack.
In Plainview's world no one can be trusted and justice is served by a sharp insult and the smash of his fist. One example is when pastor Eli approaches Plainview demanding his share of money that was promised for the church. Taking Eli by the collar he nearly suffocates him in oil, just one of many scenes where the vicious brutality of Plainview is shown.
A strong performance is also delivered by Paul Dano as pastor Eli, a religious man determined to drive out the inner demon that has overcome Daniel.
The ending is strange, unexpected and leaves the audience shaken. It's a film that is fearless but leaves plenty to be feared. Recommended.
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