There Will Be Blood (2007) Dir: Paul Thomas Anderson
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This is one of those cinematic epics that every film fan seems to iconicise and revere, especially for the Oscar winning performance of Daniel Day-Lewis.
I had put off this film, feeling I needed to be in the mood for it, so to speak. I will stand by that, there are certainly films that require your full investment, and this is one of them.
The soundtrack has immense horror feels at points - it is dramatic, intense and highly suspenseful.
The narrative however, was a slow build that seemed to twist and wind its way slowly to its culmination with a brilliantly foreboding deliberacy.
Watching this, it was clear to see the major influence that Paul Thomas Anderson has had on the modern generation of filmmakers stylistically. In many ways this film feels ahead of its time, even if it only came out in 2007.
In alignment with just about everyone who has seen this, I agree that Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of the best acting performances in cinema here, certainly for male actors. This role is his career pièce de résistance.
A young Paul Dano shows his immense talent in what is a brilliant supporting role, I have to say I thoroughly enjoy his work.
Dillon Freasier does very well baring in mind he was a child at the time of filming - he managed to work well with Day-Lewis.
Ciarán Hinds gave a decent performance, although he was more of a background character. He couldn't quite match up to his fellow cast members.
Finally, I'll mention Kevin J. O'Connor, who managed to provide an interesting persona that added an extra fold into the film's narrative - I would not have minded him having more screentime honestly.
Overall, there is no denying the immense quality that this film presents throughout its 2 hour 38 minute runtime.
The narrative and soundtrack meld so well together and, providing you are prepared for a little bit of a slow burner, you will agree that this is defintely a superb piece of cinema.
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