Review of There Will Be Blood (2007) by Sheldon C — 18 Sep 2014

Paul Thomas Anderson's THERE WILL BE BLOOD is a masterful epic that delves deep into the narrative arc of a ruthless and power-hungry oilman stunningly played by Daniel Day-Lewis. The film progresses with both grace and intensity - contrasting wide and sparse imagery with intimate and soft-lit scenes (the cinematographer is Robert Elswit, ASC), and utilizing space - both negative and character placement - to emphasize stunning performances that complement the steady pace in which tension builds within each scene.

Day-Lewis absorbs himself and disappears into Daniel Plainview, not to mention Paul Dano's intense performance as a pesky small-town preacher in this dauntless tale of faith, greed, and power.