The Big Picture The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 2 - 'There Will Be Blood’
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Dec 26, 2025 Dive into the world of ambition and greed with a deep exploration of 'There Will Be Blood.' Discover why Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an unforgettable performance, and how the film's gothic, Western blend challenges cinematic norms. The hosts debate character motivations, touching on themes of capitalism and religion, while reflecting on its Academy Award fate. With a nod to PTA's unique style and influence, they also recommend films that resonate with this cinematic masterpiece.
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A Mashup Of Film Traditions And Tones
- Anderson 'cannibalizes' earlier masters, wearing their cinematic clothes to then subvert them into something weird and discomforting.
- The film blends Western, gothic horror, and comedy to make viewers both laugh and feel alienated.
Oil As A Post‑9/11 Metaphor
- The oil story reads as resonant with post‑9/11 geopolitics, making oil the ultimate corrupting force in modern America.
- PTA stopped over-explaining himself here, inviting broader interpretations about systems and power.
Refusing Origin Stories For Plainview
- The film refuses origin-story explanations for Plainview, avoiding cheap trauma backstory as motivation.
- That restraint preserves ambiguity and makes Plainview a broader vessel for critique.
