Best of the Decade #6: There Will Be Blood (2007)
It took me two viewings to realize that There Will Be Blood was my favourite film of 2007. Too bad they both happened in 2008. Luckily, with the decade coming to a close, I can finally give There Will Be Blood the praise it deserves and include it in a list!
Paul Thomas Anderson turns in a film that is uncharacteristically subdued in technique, yet unapologetically bombastic in its performances; specifically Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview. While some complained that his portrayal was too ’showy’, I thought it hit the spot, bringing life to the otherwise blown out and depressing late 19th century California setting. Paul Dano’s Eli Sunday may not be able to match Day-Lewis’ intensity, but it sure is a lot of fun to watch them go at each other. Characters aside, there’s also some serious attention to detail in the process of turn of the century oil drilling, providing some great visuals and a very real sense of danger.
There’s a sense of mystery that exists just below the surface throughout the film (and I’m not talking oil). Johnny Greenwood’s occasionally abstract score both embraces the period yet works against it, using traditional instruments for a fairly modern presentation. The music seems to be directly connected to Plainview’s psyche. Of course there’s no sense in bringing up mystery without the mention of Paul Dano’s dual role, even if he’s merely playing twins. I know there were a few complaints of the film feeling slow, but I feel the pacing creates a sense of something looming on the horizon. I guess that would be the turn of the century?
Yes, There Will Be Blood will definitely find a high spot on my personal best of the decade list and I’m happy to see it crack the top ten of our combined list.
Check out previous entries from our Top 20 Films of the ’00s.
Comments (13)
This is a film I can’t get on board with. Good write up though.
Posted by Rusty James on December 22nd, 2009One of my favourite movies of all time; I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it. Glad to see it near the top 5 of the Film Junk all decade list!
Posted by KeithTalent on December 22nd, 2009I thought I was in love with No Country, but then I finally got around to watching this movie. It was an experience. Definitely one of my favorites.
Posted by Seth on December 22nd, 2009This is the most watched blu-ray in my collection.
Posted by Mrespony on December 22nd, 2009IM AN OIL MAN!
Posted by dougnagy on December 22nd, 2009Masterpiece, simple as. Beautiful performances and technical elements (cinematography, music).
Posted by AlexG on December 22nd, 2009It’s weird that this film and No Country seem eternally linked to one another, but I love them both thoroughly. 2007 was probably my favorite year film-wise this decade. There Will Be Blood played a large part in that.
Posted by Nate on December 22nd, 2009Punch-Drunk Love is still my favorite, but this is an incredibly close 2nd. I think the only ‘minor’ flaw is casting Paul Dano. I would’ve preferred seeing someone like Gosling tackle the role instead, but that’s really my only quibble. Great choice!
Posted by Jim the Movie Freak on December 22nd, 2009It’s interesting you mention Paul Dano as a casting flaw as he was original only meant to play Paul Sunday, the original brother who informs Plainview of the oil. Kel O’Neill was originally cast as Eli Sunday, but was canned after two weeks of production. Paul Dano was a last minute replacement, turning the brothers into twins and giving him a short period of time to prepare for the role.
Posted by Jay C. on December 22nd, 2009It was a damn good year in movies. Still, I was completely surprised that ANderson and the movie didn’t win the Oscars. The Coen movie was really good but this movie is a Masterpiece.
Posted by Ian on December 22nd, 2009I knew this would be up there on the list…good pick..i have only watched it once think i will revisit it tonight…x
Posted by xego on December 22nd, 2009Finally. One I agree with.
Posted by Soop on December 23rd, 2009I must admit, when I watched this, I didn’t really appreciate it… I’ve yet to give it another chance, since I haven’t gotten the opportunity to watch the entire movie over again, but, when I’ve watched specific scenes on their own, I’ve really been able to appreciate how great they are… Will they hold up all together? Well, I have to give it another watch to judge that… Until then, my favorite of P.T.’s will stay Magnolia!
Posted by Rob on January 1st, 2010Leave a Reply