DVD : THERE WILL BE BLOOD

2007

Cert: 12

Dir(s): Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier

DVD Special Features: The Story Of Petroleum ,
Deleted Scenes, Trailers

What You Need To Know: Greedy prospector stops at nothing to get what he wants. Other folk not too happy about it.

Daniel Day Lewis doesn't work in films very often (compared to your average top billing actor), but when he does star his films feel like events. 'There Will Be Blood', Paul Thomas Anderson's ('Punch Drunk Love') latest, earned him a Best Actor Oscar and deservedly so. Day Lewis carries 'Blood' in a performance that is passionate and remarkable.

Having said this, he is not the only thing the film has going for it. Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood creates a wonderful score that has the audience on the edge from the very onset. Opening with an assault of sound (that shares the screen with a canvas of pure black), Greenwood starts a sense of dread and discomfort that continues throughout the film. It's a wonderfully effective score that might not make it to the playlist on your iPod, but like the film, lingers in the mind for a good while.With the oscar winning cinematography combined with Andersons' expert skill in direction and writing, 'There Will Be Blood' feels like a film from long ago. The editing techniques and shots evoke a mood and style from the films of classic hollywood.

Daniel Day Lewis plays the prospector, Daniel Plainview while Paul Dano also puts in a notable performance as Plainview's rival, Elijah Sunday. The two spar throughout the film to win the hearts and support of the local towns people. Deep down, Plainview represents the pure financial greed of capitalism while Sunday is the corruption of religion, a 'false prophet'. Their competition is captured exceptionally well and brought to an utterly brilliant conclusion in the film's climax. Having said all this, with it's lengthy running time, 'There Will Be Blood' is a slow watch initially. In truth, it's merits never really strike you until long after the closing credits roll. When the film does hit you though, on reflection, it's status as a modern classic is hard to deny.

Conclusion

Once you get past the initial pacing and sheer operatic weight, 'There Will Be Blood's' brilliance is revealed. This is a film that will only get better and better.

9