Neal Vitale Reviews: There Will Be Blood

3 stars out of 5

Director/writer Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, Boogie Nights, Punch-Drunk Love) has attempted to make the Great American Movie, but comes up short. Based upon Upton Sinclair's 1927 novel "Oil," There Will Be Blood paints a powerful and grand portrait of prospector Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he ruthlessly builds his business at the turn of the century, first in Texas, then in the Central Coast of California. Gorgeous cinematography is one of the stars of the film, and the acting is spectacular. Day-Lewis (Gangs Of New York, The Age Of Innocence, In The Name Of The Father) should - will - win another Oscar for his vivid performance, and may well be joined at the Awards by Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine), who is unnerving as a young evangelist. But, while the screenplay can be applauded for its range and its intriguing interplay of business, family, and religion, it fails to leaven Plainview's descent into madness. Savagery and revenge substitute for vulnerability, remorse, and redemption, which results more in pity than empathy. There Will Be Blood runs nearly three hours - and often feels even longer, thanks to an immeasurably irritating score by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood. Unfortunately, grandeur and great performances are all that this film ultimately delivers.