Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to PUNCH DRUNK LOVE (that odd Adam Sandler film where he wasn't acting like Adam Sandler at all. No, not SPANGLISH, the other one..right.) The movie got Daniel Day Lewis an Oscar nom and that's the biggest reason to see it. The movie is loosely based on the Upton Sinclair novel, Oil!
The story: Daniel Plainview (played by Daniel Day Lewis) is an oil man. He is told about a large oil deposit in Little Boston, California. He ventures out and buys up all the land. He deals with people who want to be treated fairly, but he is tough and bargains tough, seemingly more intent on winning at the bargaining table then actually doing good business. The story follows his success even as he destroys or drives away all the people around him.
Okay, maybe that's not the best synopsis, but that's the feel of the film. Plainview is kind of an anti-hero -- tough and driven, uncompromising, seemingly filled with disdain for all his fellow men. If you find that kind of anti-hero fascinating then this might be a good movie for you. If you just think those guys are a-holes, then this will be a waste of time, except for the one saving fact that Daniel Day Lewis's acting is brilliant -- intense, passionate, and fascinating. In fact, when he character is at his worst, Lewis is at his most fascinating.
Still, if you don't want to watch an actor act, or if you don't like that kind of anti-hero, then the film will be a total waste.
*** SLIGHT RECOMMEND ***
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