TV Tropes - There Will Be Blood

Synopsis

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 American epic drama film directed, co-written, co-produced, and edited by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film is an adaptation of Upton Sinclair's 1927 novel Oil! and stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman on a quest for wealth and power in the early 20th century.

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising Anderson's direction, Day-Lewis's performance, and the film's cinematography, editing, and score. There Will Be Blood was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, and won two for Best Cinematography and Best Actor for Day-Lewis.

Tropes

1. Black Oil

Black Oil is a recurring motif throughout the film, representing the greed, corruption, and violence that comes with the oil industry. The film opens with a scene of Plainview covered in black oil, and this image is repeated throughout the film as a reminder of the dark forces at work.

2. The Milkshake Scene

In one of the film's most iconic scenes, Plainview confronts his former business partner Eli Sunday (Paul Dano) at a milkshake counter. Plainview accuses Sunday of cheating him out of his money, and the two men engage in a heated argument. The scene is both tense and darkly humorous, and it perfectly captures the film's themes of greed and betrayal.

3. The Baptism Scene

In another memorable scene, Plainview baptizes his adopted son H.W. (Dillon Freasier) in a river. The scene is both beautiful and disturbing, as it suggests that Plainview is trying to wash away his sins and start anew. However, the baptism is ultimately unsuccessful, and Plainview's relationship with H. W. continues to be strained.

4. The Fire Scene

In the film's climax, Plainview's oil well is destroyed in a fire. The fire is a metaphor for the destruction that Plainview has wrought on his own life and the lives of those around him. The scene is both visually stunning and emotionally devastating, and it brings the film to a powerful and tragic conclusion.

Analysis

There Will Be Blood is a complex and challenging film that explores the dark side of the American dream. The film's themes of greed, corruption, and violence are still relevant today, and it is a powerful indictment of the oil industry.

Anderson's direction is masterful, and he creates a world that is both beautiful and disturbing. Day-Lewis's performance is one of the greatest in cinema history, and he brings Plainview to life as a complex and deeply flawed character.

There Will Be Blood is a must-see for anyone interested in film, history, or the human condition.

Themes

1. Greed

Greed is one of the central themes of There Will Be Blood. Plainview is driven by an insatiable desire for wealth and power, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He cheats his business partners, exploits his workers, and even kills his own brother. Plainview's greed ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes isolated from everyone around him.

2. Corruption

The oil industry is a corrupting force in There Will Be Blood. Plainview is willing to bribe, cheat, and even murder to get what he wants. The film shows how corruption can spread through a community, like a cancer. It can destroy lives, families, and even entire towns.

3. Violence

Violence is a constant presence in There Will Be Blood. Plainview is a violent man, and he uses violence to achieve his goals. He beats his workers, kills his business partners, and even shoots his own son. The film shows how violence can be a vicious cycle, leading to more violence and destruction.

Characters

1. Daniel Plainview

Daniel Plainview is the protagonist of There Will Be Blood. He is a ruthless oilman who is driven by an insatiable desire for wealth and power. Plainview is a complex and deeply flawed character, and he is capable of both great cruelty and great kindness.

2. Eli Sunday

Eli Sunday is a charismatic preacher who becomes Plainview's business partner. Sunday is a master manipulator, and he uses his charm to get what he wants. However, Sunday is also a hypocrite, and he is ultimately driven by greed.

3. H.W.

H. W. is Plainview's adopted son. H. W. is a kind and gentle boy, but he is also deeply traumatized by his experiences with Plainview. H. W.'s relationship with Plainview is complex and tragic, and it is one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the film.

Reception

There Will Be Blood received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, and won two for Best Cinematography and Best Actor for Day-Lewis.

Critics praised Anderson's direction, Day-Lewis's performance, and the film's cinematography, editing, and score. There Will Be Blood was also a commercial success, grossing over $76 million worldwide.

Legacy

There Will Be Blood is now considered one of the greatest films of the 21st century. The film has been praised for its complex characters, its stunning visuals, and its powerful storytelling. There Will Be Blood is a must-see for anyone interested in film, history, or the human condition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When watching There Will Be Blood, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Don't expect a happy ending.

There Will Be Blood is not a feel-good movie. It is a dark and tragic film that explores the dark side of the American dream. Don't expect a happy ending, or you will be disappointed.

2. Don't try to understand everything.

There Will Be Blood is a complex film, and it is not always easy to understand. Don't try to understand everything, or you will miss the point. Just sit back and enjoy the film's powerful storytelling.

3. Don't judge Plainview too harshly.

Plainview is a deeply flawed character, but he is also a fascinating one. Don't judge him too harshly, or you will miss the point of the film. Plainview is a product of his time and circumstances, and he is a victim of his own greed.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

If you are watching There Will Be Blood for the first time, here is a step-by-step approach to help you get the most out of the film:

1. Watch the film without distractions.

Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and find a quiet place to watch the film. This will allow you to focus on the film and fully appreciate its power.

2. Pay attention to the details.

There Will Be Blood is a film that is rich in detail. Pay attention to the costumes, the sets, and the cinematography. The details will help you to understand the film's characters and themes.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask questions. There are many resources available online that can help you to understand the film.

4. Watch the film again.

There Will Be Blood is a film that rewards multiple viewings. Watch the film again, and you will see things that you missed the first time.

5. Share your thoughts.

After you have watched the film, share your thoughts with someone else. Talking about the film will help you to understand it better.

Tables

1. Awards

2. Box Office

3. Critical Reception

4. Legacy