Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Movie Review: There Will Be Blood



Usually I go to the movies to be entertained. The way I see it, as long as a movie keeps me entertained for a couple of hours, job well done; however, when a movie like "There Will Be Blood" comes along, it is hard to ignore. Only showing at select theaters, and rated R even though there's really nothing out of the PG-13 realm, TWBB definitely appeals to an older, more mature audience. Daniel Day-Lewis plays a blood-thirsty (pardon the pun) oil entrepreneur who doesn't care much for the trivialities of every-day life, and frankly doesn't give a crap about anyone else other than himself. The movie really captures his descent into complete and utter bastardom, which is brilliantly portrayed and impeccably acted. Seriously I don't think I've ever seen a more convincing acting job than Day-Lewis does in TWBB. If he does not get the oscar for best actor I will personally go to the house of each and every member of the academy and karate chop him or her in his or her throat. Paul Dano's portrayal of a zealous preacher is a tad over-the-top but appropriately so.
This film is also visually stunning, nailing the intensity of the oil-drilling business while capturing the subtleties of rural life. Jonny Greenwood deserves the highest honors as well for his OST; his compositions were brilliant and perfectly followed the themes in the film. The unorthodox sounds used to create tension and uneasiness were a welcome change.
I know it's 2.5 hours long but it will feel like you hopped in the delorean and took a quick stroll around the parking lot. Stupid reference? Yes.
Go out and see this movie right now.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

finally got around to watching the infamous There Will Be Blood... Daniel-Day Lewis' performance was top-notch. He takes well to the overbearing, violent father-figure role -- he also did this in Gangs of New York.