Anti-dramatic climactic opening with a dramatic ending
Like a wine-like film controlled by "Hand of Kubrick", the whole film is seen from the critical perspective of the old Kubrick's cold and detached, and Lewis' superb performance supports this extremely charismatic character. It is not so much a pure devil as to say that he is a loner who is alive and real, just like Kane died alone in his castle, Daniel personally ended this once-in-a-lifetime in his twilight years when no one cared. The fake believer who brought him wealth and opportunity and who has insulted him.
Pure black oil is like black blood, spewing wildly from the depths of the earth, indicating the level of Daniel's vigorous desire when he was still young. Although this is a linear story with a time span, it benefits from most of the restraint. The calm shooting technique makes this story almost like a documentary and a true reproduction of the legendary life of such an oilfield tycoon. Not being artificial is the most stable output point. Daniel's irony and contempt for religion also filled every corner, and finally settled on a dramatic scene as the ending: let this hypocritical priest express the embarrassment of life, tear off the sacred shell, and be as naked as when he preached. Dissecting oneself and finally dying tragically and cowardly is the most ironic and most memorable way of script design I can think of. On the soundtrack level, this is the most distinctive part. The fast-paced soundtrack, which is as compact as a drum, and the scalp is numb, as well as several particularly outstanding waltzes, are like the old library movies. They control the BGM with perfection. The soundtrack climaxes one after another. Strong suction that pulls people into the film. The picture level also strives for authenticity, and the PTA lens is by no means an aesthetic idyllic oil painting. Without too fancy techniques, the camera often uses simple medium and close-up shots to capture Lewis' magical face. The picture is subtle but does not diminish the delicacy and richness of his expression. Although the performance of 'Eli' is not as vivid and powerful as Lewis's , but it can be considered flesh and blood. Interpreting "There Will Be Blood" will be surprised to find its similarities with "Citizen Kane" and old library movies, and these valuable things are really worthy of our repeated appreciation.
It's a pity that the rhythm of the film is relatively slow. Only by fully integrating into the historical and cultural context of the film in the early stage and clearly aware of Daniel's extreme personality can he not fall asleep and dance with him at the climax.
The deconstruction of the times and the goodness and hypocrisy of human nature, the criticism of the fragile religious value system in the face of money interests, and the direction of the ultimate destiny of human life, what is it really looking for?
The film is a powerful question and accusation.
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