This somber, substantial historical drama features intricate personalities and a performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. The story follows an ambitious prospector, Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), in early 20th century Southern California, as he rises to become a clever oil tycoon. His progression is shown alongside the path of Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a questionable Pentecostal preacher leading a small church far from any city. “There Will Be Blood” (2007) stands apart as a period piece with touches of the Western genre; it’s an artistic film, very different from typical big-budget movies. It requires a certain mindset to fully appreciate such a lengthy, deliberate, and grand production. Films like “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and “No Country for Old Men,” released around the same time, offer useful points of reference. Although the plot and central figures seem straightforward at first glance, there’s considerable depth to explore. Questions arise: What's the value of achievement if you have no one to share it with? Is Daniel a person lacking empathy or someone who develops those traits because his decisions lead him down a destructive path? Was Eli a deceptive religious leader? If so, was he always dishonest, or did he evolve into that role? The film presents Eli alongside Daniel for a reason. Does Daniel possess the ability to feel real affection? Are his final words to H.W. sincere, or are they products of feeling deceived? Would someone in their right mind impulsively commit violence? Is there anyone to root for in this movie? If not, why is that? The film unfortunately focuses on life’s darker aspects and offers little in the way of encouragement. Its running time is 2 hours, 38 minutes, and filming took place in Southern California and Texas (Shafter & Marfa), as well as Lakewood, Washington (Thornewood Castle). GRADE: C+

Source on TMDB