There Will Be Blood (2007)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 American epic period drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, loosely based on the 1927 novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman, and Paul Dano as Eli Sunday, a charismatic preacher. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the film explores themes of ambition, greed, family, and the corrupting power of oil.

The Story Unfolds

The Rise of Daniel Plainview

The film begins in 1898 with Daniel Plainview discovering oil in New Mexico. After a few years, he establishes himself as a successful oilman. He adopts a child, H.W., the orphaned son of a worker who dies in an accident, and raises him as his own.

Acquiring the Sunday Ranch

In 1911, Daniel is approached by Paul Sunday (Paul Dano), who informs him of oil on his family’s property in Little Boston, California. Daniel purchases the land under false pretenses, pretending to be interested in hunting quail. He quickly establishes drilling operations on the Sunday ranch, bringing wealth and development to the area.

The Climax and Resolution

The Struggle with Eli Sunday

Eli Sunday, Paul’s twin brother and a preacher, demands money for his church in exchange for access to the land. The relationship between Daniel and Eli is fraught with tension and power struggles. Eli’s influence grows as he builds his church, while Daniel becomes increasingly ruthless and paranoid.

H.W.’s Injury and Daniel’s Isolation

During a drilling accident, H.W. loses his hearing. Daniel’s relationship with H.W. deteriorates as he becomes more focused on his business empire. A series of betrayals and violent confrontations ensue, showcasing Daniel’s moral decline.

The Conclusion

The Final Confrontation

The film’s climax occurs years later when Eli, now financially desperate, visits Daniel in his opulent mansion. In a chilling scene, Daniel coerces Eli into confessing his sins and denouncing his faith. The confrontation ends with Daniel brutally murdering Eli, cementing his complete moral corruption.

Movie Ending

There Will Be Blood ends with Daniel Plainview alone in his mansion, having achieved immense wealth and power but at the cost of his humanity. The final scene underscores the film’s themes of greed, corruption, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in There Will Be Blood.

Type of Movie

There Will Be Blood is an epic period drama that delves into themes of ambition, greed, and the corrupting power of wealth, set against the backdrop of the early American oil industry.

Cast

• Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview
• Paul Dano as Paul Sunday / Eli Sunday
• Dillon Freasier as H.W. Plainview
• Ciarán Hinds as Fletcher Hamilton
• Kevin J. O’Connor as Henry

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. The music, with its haunting and dissonant qualities, adds to the film’s intense and unsettling atmosphere.

Filming Locations

There Will Be Blood was filmed in various locations, including:

• Marfa, Texas: For the primary setting of Little Boston.
• Los Angeles, California: For additional scenes.

Awards and Nominations

There Will Be Blood received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Cinematography. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Editing.
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Daniel Day-Lewis). Nominated for Best Director and Best Original Score.
• BAFTA Awards: Won Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis). Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Editing.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance as Daniel Plainview is widely regarded as one of the greatest in film history. He immersed himself fully into the character, staying in character even off-camera.
• Paul Thomas Anderson drew inspiration from the work of directors like Stanley Kubrick and John Huston, creating a film that combines epic storytelling with intimate character studies.
• The film’s production design meticulously recreated the early 20th-century oil industry, enhancing the authenticity of the setting.

Inspirations and References

There Will Be Blood is loosely based on Upton Sinclair’s novel Oil!, though it deviates significantly from the source material to focus on the character study of Daniel Plainview. The film explores broader themes of capitalism, religion, and moral decay.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of There Will Be Blood closely follows Paul Thomas Anderson’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film is inspired by Upton Sinclair’s Oil!, it diverges significantly to focus on the character of Daniel Plainview and his ruthless pursuit of wealth. The novel provides a broader social commentary on the oil industry and American society.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Daniel Plainview’s discovery of oil and the establishment of his drilling operations.
• The drilling accident that causes H.W.’s deafness.
• The baptism scene where Eli humiliates Daniel in front of the congregation.
• The final confrontation between Daniel and Eli in the bowling alley.

Iconic Quotes

• “I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!” – Daniel Plainview
• “I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people.” – Daniel Plainview
• “I’m finished.” – Daniel Plainview

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s use of visual and auditory motifs, such as the constant presence of oil and the haunting score, underscores the themes of greed and corruption.
• Subtle references to historical events and figures in the oil industry are woven into the narrative.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $25 million, and it grossed over $76 million worldwide.
• Paul Thomas Anderson wrote the screenplay with Daniel Day-Lewis in mind for the lead role, and Day-Lewis’s performance has been critically acclaimed as one of his best.
• Jonny Greenwood’s score, which incorporates dissonant and avant-garde elements, was initially deemed ineligible for an Academy Award due to its use of pre-existing compositions.

Why Watch?

There Will Be Blood offers a compelling and intense exploration of ambition, greed, and moral decay, featuring powerful performances, particularly by Daniel Day-Lewis, and masterful direction by Paul Thomas Anderson. Its epic scope and deep thematic resonance make it a must-watch for fans of drama and character studies.

Director’s Other Movies

Paul Thomas Anderson also directed:

• Boogie Nights (1997)
• Magnolia (1999)
• Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
• The Master (2012)
• Phantom Thread (2017)

Recommended Films for Fans

• No Country for Old Men (2007)
• The Master (2012)
• Gangs of New York (2002)
• The Revenant (2015)
• Citizen Kane (1941)