Songbird
Jan
15
There Will Be Awesome
Filed Under Album Picks, Film Box
There Will Be Blood: imdb / trailer
As some of you know, this ranked high in my top ten list for 2007, so I suppose it’s no surprise that I loved it. Even if I hadn’t written that list there really is no surprise because this film was crafted by, perhaps, my favorite working film maker: Paul Thomas Anderson. I know him well, I’ve watched all his films many times, listened to all of his commentary, seen all of his music videos. We’re practically on a first name basis.
I know PTA loved, absolutely loved, making this film. In many ways it’s the film he’s always wanted to make, building up to this moment bit by bit, while reinventing himself along the way. He could have easily sauntered on along his career of making Boogie Nights 2 through 5 and probably been quite successful at that, but no that’s not the way this cocaine-addled (only hearsay mind you) mind works! PTA was shaped by the elders in his life, firstly by his father and the world surrounding him, and of course by classic films of every era, along with personal relations with two of the greatest film makers who recently passed away. This boy was born to make the films he makes and tell them the way he wants to tell them. Some people are turned off by this… sometimes he’s just a little too melodramatic, over the top, long-winded, or all of the above. But for me, he is perfect. Twenty minutes without dialogue? I’m in!
As I was watching this film, the unsettling fear that pervades it got in the way of my enjoyment. It wasn’t until later after reflecting upon it, being haunted by it and seeing almost every frame of film together as a whole, did I truly understand how much I really loved it. That, I think, is the mark of a very good or even great film. One that will be remembered. Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of Mr. Plainview is awe inspiring. He’s a man for which his insanity is only quenched by destroying all others in an attempt to be the best. The best at what? The best of everything apparently. There are scenes of terror, poignancy, ruthlessness. Everything seems so awesome in scope that even when just two people sit down to talk it’s as if the world has stopped moving. I mustn’t forget everyone else around Lewis’ Plainview, for his life changed as much as theirs as he steamrolled them sometimes to death.
I dislike everything about Mr. Plainview, except the way he speaks, he’s not the type of bad guy you root for. So I ask for those that disliked the ending, how would he, or could he, do anything different?
Rachel here, for a little side note about the soundtrack, There Will Be Blood. An album composed by Radiohead’s own guitarist, Jonny Greenwood, who accompanied the dark bizarre vibe of the film with a soundtrack composed of mostly strings with the occasional delicate piano. The soundtrack really completes the film and brings it all together wonderfully, I believe.My favorite track from the album…
mp3: Prospector Arrives
Jonny Greenwood
There Will Be Blood 2007 (Nonesuch)
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8 Responses to “There Will Be Awesome”
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Rachel - Music, FilmAggregator Love
What attracts me the most about the film is Daniel Day Lewis….every movie he does, along with every role he plays, is incredible.
DIdn’t Greenwood just win a critics’ choice award for his work on the soundtrack?
I can’t wait to see this film.
You’ve just upped my expectations another notch.
Joe, I have to agree with you Daniel Day Lewis is remarkable and he is so in this film as well. Perfect.
I do not follow award stuff very well but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did win award for the soundtrack, I think it worked wonderfully with the film. Although some critics hated the score…And then some people loved it.
Richard, I don’t think you will be disappointed. :-)
I haven’t seen this one, but your review is only making me want to see it more. I have heard good things and how can you go wrong with Daniel Day Lewis as Joe pointed out. Love the blog by the way.
These comments make me want to review some more movies! And I will! Just you watch. Go on, I dare ya.
Thanks David! And as soon as you can go see this film.
great review pip.
i agree as im guessing most in the world will, that lewis’ portrayal was AMAZING and greenwoods soundtrack was so tense and on edge in that seemingly odd but beautiful radiohead way… they were both absoluely phenominal.
heres my question though… if you take away lewis and greenwood, was the movie that spectacular? dont get me wrong … i really enjoy PTA’s work and i really liked this story but i couldnt help but feel like i was watching great pieces to the whole as opposed to being blown away by the whole itself. i hope im making sense.
i havent seen no country yet but from what i hear, the greatness of that movie is much more on the ‘whole’ instead of pieces of the whole.
oh and Paul Dano’s performance was also amazing, though i feel like lewis’ performance almost overshadows it. still it was quite good.
anwyay .. thats all i got.
I’m finally going to see this tonight. I’m a Paul Thomas Anderson fan and a Daniel Day Lewis fan, so needless to say I’m stoked.