Item Reviewed: Cinema Movie
Product Name: There Will Be Blood

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Submitted by: The40Watt
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Short Description:

The story of Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis) an oil man starting in 1898, which takes in themes such as family, oil, religion, greed and violence.

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Review:

I'm surprised that there hasn't been a thread started on this film yet. I am just back from the cinema a few minutes and I"m still trying to collect my thoughts on the film.

I do believe that I just seen a brilliant piece of work. The direction, the cinematography, the music (superb work from Jonny Greenwood), great performances and a very intriguing story. I was aware while watching the film that even over an hour into the film I was still unsure of where the story was going. Then even when it came to the end I was surprised at where it finished up. Surprisingly there were a couple of moments in the film that got the audience laughing out loud. I do think though that in one instance it was probably not the intention of the film-makers.

It is a very long film but at no point did I notice the time going by. I just wanted to see what was coming next. I have to comment on the mood in the film. The director Paul T. Anderson (PTA) used the score and the look of the film to create a true sense of dread through parts of the film. At least that is how I felt while watching. Also the bravery of the director for opening the film with a near twenty minute stretch with no dialogue is to be applauded.

Having seen the film now I can agree that Daniel Day-Lewis was good value for his Oscar win. Some people have claimed he is overacting but I disagree strongly. Yes, it is a loud performance but that is the character he was playing, he needed to be that over the top. Having said that I would still have preferred to have seen Viggo Mortensen win best actor.

I think that PTA should have been honoured as best director at the Oscars. I just feel that the work done was more impressive in that he gave the film a totally unique look. There is a very high chance you will not have seen another film that looks like this. (No disrespect to the Coen Brothers though as I loved No Country for Old Men). Just another point about the Oscars. The score by Jonny Greenwood was disqualified and that is a tragedy. It does sound similar to some Radiohead music understandably and that for me is a major plus point.

I noticed a few people in the cinema left at around the two hour mark. That is something I just don't understand. They give the movie two hours and then leave? Why not stay for the final part rather than have the first two hours go to waste?

I would thoroughly recommend the film to anyone who has had their fill of blockbuster superhero movies for the moment.

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Good:

The score by Jonny Greenwood.
The overall aesthetic of the film.
Exemplary acting, especially from Day-Lewis.
Daniel Day-Lewis' new voice for the character, "Draiiiiinaaage!" will long be remembered.

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Bad:

At this moment I am struggling to think of any major flaw. Perhaps that fact that you need to show patience rather than expect to be instantly gratified like we are with most movies.

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Verdict:

A wonderful, wonderful film. The best film I have seen this year. It is a heavy film thematically and it might seem like a chore to go see it if you've seen the trailer but you owe it to yourself to experience it.

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Rating: 9/10
Other Comment: I think I've covered everything except to say that Paul Dano (from Little Miss Sunshine) more than holds his own against Day-Lewis.
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I've downloaded this movie and you have told me what I needed to burn it and go watch it. I'm gonna burn it tonight and watch it tomorrow and see how much I agree with you then.

Thanks and great review.