Woody Allen was on my mind. A huge gaping hole emerged on our MLK day that desperately needed filling with a fruitful leisure activity. Being a life-long admirer of the acerbic and witty director we set off in search of
Cassandra's Dream (his latest production with
Ewan McGregor), but to our amazement the ethereal nature of the movie proved itself difficult to pinpoint in any nearby location. 2 nd choice was a sea-salty adventure at the Museum of Science Titanic exhibition, but my beloved informed me that the rusty hull had already set sail in search of other barnacled locations. Mist seemed to be the theme for the day but we refreshed our spirits with some delicious veggie-burgers and after serious contemplation I pulled out my gleaming ten-inch Bowie knife and threw it at the arts and entertainment section of the Denver Post.
On closer inspection I discovered to my horror that the blade had struck
Daniel Day Lewis between the eyes, not only that but it indicated a new flick was in town called 'There Will Be Blood' in which he played some sort of manic oil-driller in the 19 th century. What is the point of going to see a movie about the discovery of oil when the world supply is currently dwindling and we have to consider selling dear old granny for the price of a full tank? This I said complaining as we carefully calculated if the car could make it to the theatre on its depleted level of fuel. Not only that but I have this immense neurotic allergy to historical costume drama, the mere whiff of the heady combination of
Emily Bronte and/or
Helena Bonham Carter and I am likely to succumb to trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness!).
As soon as the movie started I could feel the sweet-pungent taste of chewing tobacco on my lips, a familiar landscape that could be any local Colorado mining community circa 1850 like Georgetown; a stony shaft in a dry, dusty and desolate mountain with a grim determined man searching for scraps of silver. An accident with a stick of dynamite and a complete lack of ecological concern brings this man Daniel Plainview (played by Daniel Day Lewis) crawling to another infinitely more profitable adventure as a trickster oil-man, prepared at any moral or ethical cost to procure the black sticky stuff on or underneath other peoples land. One could almost say that he moves like a reptilian political snake, a strange and whiskey soakedsatire on contemporary events...
What unfolds is an almost biblical epic of hate; not only a consummate and unflinching examination of the man Daniel as the worst case of antisocial personality disorder ever portrayed but also the schizoid relationship between a charismatic-ecstatic preacher Eli Sunday and his twin brother Paul. Like a veritable Judas, Paul Sunday appears to Daniel Plainview and sells him the location of his fathers land wherein there is a mighty profit to be made. Thus a stage is set, and it is from this small and insignificant Californian town of New Boston that all the major players and dynamics unfold. The entire movie is filled with revelations, deep insight, traumatic and emotional observances with sharp memorable character acting. Strikingly it is a drama with few words, our vision is enticed into broad and consuming vistas contrasted with the demoniacal actions of the players.
There is a sacred theme which flows throughout the narrative; the core nature of belief, our baptism into a faith and the morals (or lack thereof) we employ to maintain it. The writer has employed the symbolism of blood, oil, water, bread, and wine to evoke a meditation on the nature of human motive, which perhaps is inspired by a biblical theme; I am reminded of Cain and Abel, Abraham, Jacob and Esau or elements from the story of Joseph. At the most basic level we are invited to contemplate the means and methods of manipulation from the plain subtle to devious and ultimately the most extreme and brutal acts of barbarism.
This is a tale not merely set in the distant and easily forgotten past but with influence in the present day; a morality for reflection on our own actions in pursuit of the American dream, who and what has been exploited in order to create a system that increasingly seems unsustainable? Ultimately we must resort to a careful examination of our own conscience and make the necessary and crucial changes in behavior to ensure our survival as true and honest beings.
But, if you are just looking for a fine movie and entertainment,this is it right now, and its surely to become a cult classic. I give ita five star recommendation!
There Will Be Blood (at most local cinema's)
Starring:
Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Kevin J. O'Connor, Ciaran Hinds, Dillon Freasier. Director:
Paul Thomas Anderson. Screenwriter:
Paul Thomas Anderson. Producer:
Paul Thomas Anderson, Joanne Sellar, Daniel Lupi. Composer:
Jonny Greenwood