Why Daniel Plainview Is One Of The Most Terrifying Villains In Film History
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- Опубликовано: 22 май 2024
- Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood will go down in history as one of the best movies of its time. Coming home with multiple Oscar Awards and critical success, There Will Be Blood cemented itself in cinema history. But none of this could have been possible without the terrifying portrayal of Daniel Plainview by Daniel Day Lewis. Daniel Plainview is the backbone of There Will Be Blood, and his intensity can be felt by every person that sees the film.
#ThereWillBeBlood #DanielPlainview #Nerdstalgic
Written by Dave Baker
Edited by Dan Smiley 
Развлечения
What iconic villain should we cover next?
Gary Oldman as Dracula.
Gollum (Hobbit & Lord of the Rings)
Terrence Fletcher
Mads Mikkelsens version of Hannibal Lecter
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My dad who never comments on movies, when saw the ending he said "that sure was a mean fella" I have not forgotten that even years later
That's great lol sounds like some shit i would remember for my entire life.
My uncle the same. He’s like man that guy was truly a bad man. I watched this as a kid with my dad
Maybe the analysis going on in his head is more profound.
I watched it with my dad, who was "an oil man" too, and I still think it's one of the best father/son movies of all time.
An objectively toothless comment like "that sure was a mean fella" comes across as such a deeper condemnation from someone who's of few words.
This movie had one of the best character introductions I've ever seen. You basically learn everything you need to know about Plainview right off the bat when he breaks his leg and still manages to climb his way out of the hole and crawl to civilization. The sheer determination and grit that had to take, coupled with the wry smirk when he finally makes it back, knowing hes struck oil and is about to be mega rich.
I grew up ski racing and in the mountains alot. Buddy of mine's little brother went out backcountry skiing and didnt disclose his location. Got caught in a avalanche, broke his femur. Search and rescue went out looking but had to call off the search due to a storm that came in. He crawled down the hill to some old train tunnels halfway down the hill and eventually crawled back to the road....took him like 18 hrs and it should have killed him. Takes some serious will to survive shit like that.
He was mining for gold in the opening scene, just fyi.
@@bigguy7353 wasn't it silver?
@@b44442 wasn't it bitcoin?
@@johnnyskied I like to think that anyone would act like that when it comes to saving own life but facts prove me wrong I guess
"Don't bully me Daniel!" spoken by a man who's been a phony and a coward his whole life would understandably set off a man who was the exact opposite of those things and saw before him a leach, saboteur, and unworthy competitor.
@B Babbich absolutely
@B Babbich while yes they are manipulators, Daniel at least doesn’t lie about who he is. He’s an Evil person, and he relishes in it. Eli hides amongst his Sheep thinking a bigger wolf would take out his enemies.
Daniel is a hard worker who dragged himself out of a death scenario for a profit, Eli cries and begs so his Profit could be secure. He truly is a False Prophet.
@B Babbich Their both narcissists and or sociopaths.
@@masterzombie161 This is completely wrong, Daniel literally used a kid that wasn’t his to manipulate people into thinking of him as a family man, and he didn’t even tell the kid that he wasn’t his son.
imagine idolizing a person like Plainview, it's actually insane tbh
At the same year, two of the most remarkable villains of cinema history were presented to the public: Daniel Plainview and Anton Chighur.
Nah.
Colonel Kurtz was from 1979 not 2007
They were actually filmed relatively close together too, No Country actually had to stop filming once because the smoke from the oil fire scene in TWBB was drifting into their shot. Definitely some magic in that place at that time.
Best film year ever
You have to give some credit to Paul Dano. He definitely held his own in this scene. Daniel was incredible! But Paul was amazing as well. It must be absolutely intimidating to be in a scene with a legendary actor like Daniel Day Lewis !
Plus he was only meant to play a smaller role as one of the brothers, then the actor set to play the other brother (who had over a year to rehearse the role) dropped out.
Dano had less then four days to prepare to act across from DDL.
Yeah, this movie definitely brought my full attention to Dano as a performer. I’d only known him as Dwayne from Little Miss Sunshine before. So seeing him in this completely different and epic role seriously got me to love him even more. It was his true breakout.
@@mtspace77 lmao and I also heard the original actor dropped out because Day-Lewis actually injured him with those bowling pins 🤣 Honestly kind of a blessing out of tragedy here lolol
Yeah Paul Is underrated. Glad he's finally breaking the typecast
@Da Dole99 lol fair enough 😅
The look Day Lewis gives the man masquerading as his brother before executing him earlier in the film is some of the best acting I’ve ever witnessed. Pure unfiltered rage
yes
Whe he figures it out at the beach and rages in the waves
For me it’s the look Daniel gives Eli during the Baptism where he makes him repeat that he’s abandoned his boy.
Oh yes. My alltime favorite.
Day lewis in Gangs of New york is also very underrated. His acting was great too.
Daniel Day Lewis is hands down the greatest actor of all time. No one else even comes close. You can see why he isn’t prolific because he gives each role absolutely everything.
Gary Oldman is pretty great too.
Dudley Moore from Arthur 2 On The Rocks
TOTALLY AGREE!!
Ok let’s all be honest for a second. No one was upset that Eli got his head beat in.
@@Dcoy-um3hl you're only saying that because the actor is part Jewish
Paul Dano and Daniel Day-Lewis were both awesome villains in this movie. Both actors can adapt to any character they morph into. The movie was chilling and intense.
Why would Eli have become a villain? He was a young kid with an immature personality and just wanted to feel special and make money. I'm not saying that there weren't negative characters, but the villain is a bit exaggerated.
I see this more as a Villain vs Villain story. Eli is just as exploiting and manipulative as Daniel is. He demonstrates this by making Eli denounce his God and faith before the sell, someone who frames himself as a fundamentalists like Eli should not have agreed to that.
It shows he was just as willing to compromise himself and his values like Daniel was. They're both villains, Daniel was just better at it.
They are both frauds and Daniel sees it immediately in Eli and the self loathing is most likely part of his rage towards him. Eli sees it in Daniel as well. Game recognize game as they say.
I wouldn't go as far as calling him a villain, he doesn't really seem aware that he has been greedy, when he talks he actually seems to believe he is the chosen one, a lot of our bad behaviours we don't always notice ourselves or if we do we justify them. I think this scene was Daniel making Eli admit to himself what he truly is, more driven by ego and greed than conviction. Still Eli never killed anyone or had bad intentions, even if he was extremely annoying, he isn't a villain in my eyes.
I’d say Eli is the bigger fraud. Daniel is paying people for their land, they are getting something in return. The people at the church are not being healed by Eli and his fake show.
Yeah Eli was out for himself and a fraud.
When he knew he was going to die he wanted to find a way to weasel himself out of the situation but Plainview was not having it and made his talk with Eli a game where in the end Eli will die
So Sociopathic rapacious Capitalism vs Corrupt exploitive Religion.
"I drink your milkshake" is one of my favorite lines from all of cinema. I'm surprised I don't see it used more.
Probably cuz it's associated with a horrific unexpected murder caused by *American hyper-capitalism* . Openly acknowledging this makes most typical Americans uncomfortable.
It's also especially applicable if you go on a date to a diner
@@bigbrainsupreme8106 ...yeah well, literally 😂
@@ChineduOpara I wouldn't recommend the full monologue when going on the date as there will probably be a police investigation after
@@bigbrainsupreme8106 I'd love to see someone do the full monologue when on a date, haha
Eli wasn’t attempting to sell his land. Daniel purchased it from Eli’s father earlier in the movie. Eli was trying to broker the sale of the Bandy property. Daniel was playing along with this proposal initially to simply build up and then knock down and humiliate Eli.
Correct. Not sure how the creator made such a basic mistake.
Exactly!! I wasted my comment obviously
Precisely.. when I herd that I was like 'Huh!'
Edit: I get where Nerdstalgic is coming from. His explanation is more succinct for the video purposes.
It was technically Bandy's land, but Eli was using Bandy's stoopersticion to pull the strings. Eli had intended to use Bandy to control Daniel, which he did when the pipeline issue came up. He forced daniel to acknowledge The Church of the Third Revelation which led to Eli becoming a celebrity. So in that sense, it was Eli's land.
That final scene is the flip-side of the incredible church "baptism" scene... Daniel's big payback.
Great video! Definitely the most iconic Day-Lewis role, for me.
Paul Dano is so underrated. He's been in alot of good things and usually always acts his roles well
its also seriously impressive that he only had a short while (a few days or weeks maybe, cant remember) to prepare for this role. he was originally just meant to play paul at the start and then the actor that was playing eli dropped out so he ended up playing both roles. i really cant imagine anyone else doing the part as well as he did
@@mackrevinack he had only 4 days
he's not underrated, everyone whose ever seen him in anything whose he's a master.
he was fantastic as the Riddler
@@darrenfreyauthor he looked funny as riddler when the mask came off. Not intimidating at all
"Is hw alright?"
"No he isn't"
That scene kills me everytime
That particular line is the best. Says it all
"I'm finished" Remains one of my favorite lines in cinema. It has layer upon layers of meaning. I was still just in shock and awe when it was first delivered, and on rewatch it just dug deeper and deeper.
It's funny how 'old Hollywood' the tracking shot down the spiral staircase leading up to it feels.
Lewis's performance in this film is hands down the best acting I've ever witnessed! I've said it ever since the first time I watched this movie, and no-one has even come close. Was not surprised at all when he won the Oscar for this role.
I may be alone, but I was definitely somewhat rooting for Daniel, even at the end. That last scene was absolutely captivating!
nah. dude had it coming.
You are not alone;)
I never thought a movie could make me root for a bloodthirsty oil baron, but watching that little shit get rekt was satisfying
Definitely not alone, i didn't think of Daniel as the villain
There's a lot of depth in his character. He's rlly quite tragic. What he rlly desperately seeks is family and love. Money means nothing. He has everything and still sleeps on the floor.
That final scene in the bowling alley was shocking in the best possible way. I remember just sitting there, numb, when the credits started to roll. DDL is one of the greatest actors of our generation, and Paul Dano is no slouch either. Looking forward to seeing his take on the Riddler in "The Batman".
Who do you think would make a good 'Penguin'?
@@lionelhutz5137 Danny DeVito! 😋
@@JustWasted3HoursHere lol i meant for the new Batman movies
@@lionelhutz5137 Colin Farrell plays The Penguin in the Matt Reeve's "The Batman". He looks unrecognizable in his makeup.
One of ? I say best, hands down.
When he won the Oscar for this role you could see even from just the clips that Day-Lewis was simply on another level from the other actors. He truly is one of the greatest actors there ever was!
Day-Lewis is arguably the most gifted actor of the last 50 years. I cannot imagine anyone offering a more perfect work product.
I can't think of any actor that is better. Especially these days with actors like Matt Damon or Ben Affleck or Jennifer Lawrence who do nothing but play themselves.
@@toddfarkman2177 and Ryan Renolds
@@toddfarkman2177 What Jennifer Lawrence its a good actress watch Hunger Games and Matt Damon its great In Good Will Hunting and Ben Affleck its good in Good Will Hunting too
@@g.salayon1718 Ryan Reynolds its true but I think if you put in a Drama movie he could give a hell of a show i think he have talent seriously
@@diogomarques9228 they do fine, but they will never in their careers offer a performance as gritty, captivating, and convincing as daniel day lewis’
I found the way he treated his son after the accident more offensive than how he dealt with Paul Dano’s character. He cared for his son until the son showed signs of vulnerability or “weakness”. Then he turned on him.
There was also the frustration of not being able to effectively communicate with him after the accident. Not defending his impatience or soulless actions, just sayin'.
he did not turn on him.... he couldnt handle the sitiation but still made sure he gets good treatment
i would say the problem was that his son konfronted him with the realety that he is responsible for his health condition and there isnt much he can do about it everytime he looks at his son or sees him struggling he is reminded of it....
wolves eat their young
@@meya3521 That's a disservice to wolves. Many animals can eat their young, but most don't.
His son was raging and acting out because he lost one of his senses. He lit the place on fire when they were asleep. You may notice, he didn't even punish him. He just embraced him. He knew that helping his son was beyond his own abilities, and the only hope the boy had for adapting was to have the best deaf education he could pay for. He couldn't keep him at the oil field. And he didn't write him off, though he had tremendous guilt. He took the boy in the first place because his real father died in service of Plainview's ambitions, and he felt personally responsible for his care.
When he found out the truth about his brother that was the last straw. It broke him on so many levels that it would be impossible to trust anyone.
The most chilling part was "I'm finished!" You think for a second he means he's going to prison for murder and his career is over, but he means he is finished with his dinner. The dead preacher was of no concern and would likely be swept away like the dishes.
You're missing the third component that makes the character... Johnny Greenwood's score. The entire first 20 minutes would be quite boring if it wasn't for Johnny's score building tension and describing the desperation, drive, and madness of Plainview. Again during the fire scene the score really sets the mood and pace... Throughout the entire film, it's Greenwood's score that completes the picture and the character himself. That trio of director, composer, and actor is unmatched.
Underrated comment
I once showed a family member TWBB, who then asked me “What do you get out of that movie?” Several things.
1. People without empathy are more likely to succeed in business.
2. Hate festers over time and fully consumes those who hate.
3. Even a man like Plainview has redeeming qualities, he clearly has/had love for his son and earned his fortune at the beginning when he broke his leg.
4. Power can be a means to an end for some (Daniel), and it can be an end in itself for others (Eli).
5. Be skeptical of EVERYONE trying to sell you on something, they often don’t even believe in what they’re trying to sell you on.
6. Success is relative, wealth doesn’t provide anything for your soul.
7. Don’t tell a business competitor what to do with their family/time/money while trying to buy out their company.
RE: #7, I love that scene where Plainview's temper gets the better of him in the restaurant.
There is a large portion of people in this world who do not see or understand the value in contemplating that which is "bad". Furthermore, they view any contemplation of it as acceptance of it. Not throwing shade at anyone (your family member), just observing something I see everywhere.
@@brianhonsinger8214 I think most people just don’t want to think about the darker elements of humanity while watching “entertainment”. Or, if they do, they want that person to be put in their place or to have a redemptive arc by the end, neither of which occurs in TWBB.
@@bencarlson4300 You know what; this isn't always the case. How would we reconcile the apparently huge appetite for the True Crime genre? What's the difference between TWBB and True Crime? Artistry?
@@brianhonsinger8214 In true crime shows, the audience is encouraged to judge the criminal for their evil deeds, whereas TWBB makes you feel sympathetic towards this terrible individual, which does not allow the audience to experience the same pleasure of thinking “what an evil person” because he’s more complicated than that.
One thing that struck me about the final seen in the movie is Daniel exposed Eli's motives being that of financial gain, and used this to manipulate Eli into committing the unforgiveable since--blasphemy towards God/The Holy Spirit--right before killing him.
Daniel simply made Eli admit he was nothing but a conn man. That he never believed any of what he was selling to his followers.
Everybody seems to be missing Plainview's strongest motivation. He loved "his boy" with a passion he couldn't even admit to himself. Eli forced Plainview to "admit" to something that wasn't true ("I abandoned my child"), and in his greed and guilt over the kid's accident, Daniel does so. In Plainview's world, love is synonymous with weakness, and Eli exploited that. Plainview never forgave having had the only thing he ever cared about exposed as a fraud when even HE didn't recognize that it actually wasn't. Eli's religiousity, however, really was fraudulent, so making him admit to it was a hollow victory for Plainview.
With out a doubt….. The BEST and GREATEST film of the 21st century!! And my favorite since 2000!!! Along with the best villain and performance!!! Dano deserves massive credit for being able to stand out as well as he does supporting such a powerhouse like Day-Lewis!! I love this film to death! You can hit pause at, literally, ANY second and print it out and frame it, that’s how beautiful it is shot!
This is my favorite video essay on a film ever. It made me cry from how well you wrote this and the breakdown of one of my favorite movies. This was the first movie that opened my eyes to how amazing movies can be made and changed the way I saw films from then on.
The first time I saw the film, the part where Plainview stamps forward shouting "I am the Third Revelation!" hit me hard; the camera angle to make him look bigger, combined with that disjointed movement and the religious language made me feel like I was watching the Rough Beast or Great Red Dragon or some other biblical monster beginning a rampage and it genuinely shocked me.
Immediately afterwards I was trying to work out how it managed to be scary rather than comical; on paper, there is absolutely no way that should come across as anything other than ridiculous, but Lewis pulled it off both in the moment and in the hours-long build-up to it.
It drives home how a physically unremarkable human becomes truly terrifying when they've got no restraints whatsoever, and you completely understand why Eli flees in terror, even though rationally he'd have had a decent chance at winning a fight with a substantially older addict with a hangover.
I don’t think Eli could have won that fight if he tried. He’s a skinny little creep whose whole adult life was spent tricking people into giving him money, or in Daniel’s case scheming to make people submit to him for the sake of it, mostly by pretending to be kind and wise and magical. I’m not convinced he’s been in any physical confrontations outside of what the movie shows.
Wasn't scary at all to me. I was laughing the entire time during that ending scene. I thought Daniel Day Lewis's expressions were hilarious.
@@maddockemerson4603 Even a 70 year old man who's done hard labor all his life would likely win in a fight against someone like Eli who's never lifted a finger. Daniel would win that fight blindfolded and with one arm behind his back.
He was punishing Eli for his sins
Awesome video, I think you were spot on. Something I want to note is that right before the “I drink your milkshake” scene happens the audience sees Daniel harshly disown his deaf son. I think this also really plays into the milkshake scene and explains Daniel’s hangover in the scene because in actuality, he loved his son despite what he may have told him. PT Anderson even confirms that he loves him in an AMA on Reddit and I think it shows his torn nature and that he is a very broken man even though he got all the riches he could ever want and the milkshake scene acts as a final culmination all his vices, hence the “I’m finished!”
“You’re a bastard from a basket!” One of the cruelest lines in all of cinema. It makes Daniel’s fatal beating of Eli seem almost merciful by comparison.
Exactly. His son represented the last piece of humanity in him. In the end he is alone in his mansion which just like him is large and empty
@@andrewbaroudi3236 it's the nature of certain men. Unable to express the care they feel for their child and seeing asset accumulation as the key to one child's future. It's difficult to attach but the love is there.
@@rudra7615 some men truly are islands. fierce tigers who are true soloists and will eat their own young.
@@TheWaynos73 I would say only if th child is a loser in their eyes. That would be my reasoning.
Let's not forget how phenomenal Paul Dano is as an actor himself. He has a litany of great roles which in my view only he could play. A very quirky (in a positive sense) individual.
Paul Thomas Anderson is a brilliant director. The depth of his character development (especially with Day-Lewis) is so layered, with many slow-burn aspects. PTA is a master at his craft!
For a good two months, none of my friends were able to order a milkshake in front of me without me telling them about “drainage”.
Aw u got friends cute
At least you weren't draining your friends, Nutz
The scene in "The Crucible" where Lewis' character is asked to sign a confession renouncing his name cemented him as the actor who could play those moments. The intense, yet subtle, way he brings up moments of extreme emotion is truly a gift.
@Holy shit, it's a talking muffin - That's the scene. Amazing.
Daniel Day-Lewis was outstanding in The Crucible as well. One of the greatest raw performances I had ever seen growing up in the 90's.
Never seen that one ,,,,,the boxer is another good one that's not well known ,,,the movie is OK but Daniel is excellent as usual ,,,
I remember my dad and older brother talking about this film, continuing to recommend it. Finally watched during the lockdown. The best thing I’ve ever seen on a screen
I always enjoy seeing Paul Dano getting a glorious beat down. I’m looking forward to seeing Batman do the same to him.
Hahahahahah
lol
This scene is incredible, especially after having just seen Plainview disregard his 'son', you knew his rage and ego was full tilt.
This movie was just perfection and his acting just sucks you into the movie. What a masterpiece. I wish i could erase my memory and watch this again.
Love that people are doing video essay type content about TWBB in present day. This will always be one of my favorite films ever. Wonderful masterpiece blended with the most determined and talented performance from one actor. I loved this video!
This scene is one of the best acted scenes ever. I remember watching this film for the first time & being so captivated at both Day-Lewis’s & Dano’s performances in this scene. For me, it’s one of the more memorable film moments that had stuck with me greatly. Great breakdown!
It's a brilliant film from beginning to end. We are oddly captivated by Daniel Plainview despite his obvious ruthlessness and utter callousness. Why are we rooting for this man throughout most of the film? The horror is in the character's magnetism. We know he's a horrible person, but we can't wait to see what he does next. I think it's one of the greatest onscreen performances in film history...
We root for him because he will not let others use him. Not Paul when he offers information, not Eli when he wanted to make a speech at the opening of the drilling, nor the Standard oil guy who tried to bully him off his leases, and in the end not even his adopted son and his gay friend. We routed for this guy not because of the evil he did but because he would not be broken.
I love the breakdown of all the characters that you provide thru your hard work...hats off to you brother
This is my favourite movie, and this video is incredible. You just gained a subscriber sir!
The SNL sketch of there will be blood is just pure genious. "Well i have the flu so jokes on you"
Bill Hader does a really great Plainview impression.
It was great but not well received by the audience.
I think it went right over their heads
DDL's best role to date. I've been a fan of his since the 80s. He literally sucks the air out of almost every scene with his performance. The ending scene, DINOMITE!
Not to be critical, but most actors suck air out scenes when breathing
It's a very honest and realistic take on how ambition can drive a man to be irredeemably cruel. It's truly a masterpiece in film making and acting.
I had never watched this movie and found this review very helpful in understanding these complex characters portrayed by Day and Dano.
I love this movie. I feel not enough people have seen it and enough certainly don't appreciate it. I know it had multiple nominations and Day Lewis won best actor. But when I bring this up this film in discussions with friends many haven't seen it and quite a few people said they turned it off halfway through because they felt it was boring.
There is no accounting for taste. I was in a conversation once with a relative about films and I suggested he watch "The Shape Of Water" a film I found to be excellent. A few weeks later we saw each other again and I asked him if he had seen the film. He replied "I hated it, it was trash. It promotes bestiality. I've seen better film on soup. If someone were dying and this film could save their life? I would not recommend it. If you want to know what a real movie is I suggest you watch Tommy Wiseau's "The Room".
Fast and Furious franchise is made for the average person. Not this kind of cinematic art.
I rooted for Plainview. He drank a lot, was a manipulative asshole but simultaneously kept himself focused and put together publicly. It’s very much a real world perspective on what it can take to become successful.
Love your analysis; one of my favorite movies of all time
This film also takes you back in time like no other film I have seen... Within ten seconds I felt transported and that feeling never wained.
Brilliant filmmaking.
I think you missed the most important part, how the scene begins with an alcoholic Daniel comatose and subsequently hungover. The shift of power where Daniel utterly dominates Eli despite being physically ill. Also I didn’t find the scene horrific or terrifying - the audience has nothing but contempt for Eli and to see him be crushed emotionally and physically was very cathartic
Yeah, good use of cathartic.
@B Babbich have to see what makes you so good before that comment is worth anything ha ha.
@B Babbich I am just joking, mate. Yeah, if you ever read Yanomamo by Napoleon Chaugnon, he points out that hyper-competitiveness is classed as a primitive human characteristic. So I am down with you there.
Thats what makes Daniel scary is there is a "seductive" or charismatic side and him being the POV charms the audience so we buy into his views/rage. And we basically sanction Elis death, he has control over us
exactly
So excited to see Paul dano as riddler! He was great in this movie.
One of the best actors who's ever lived imo, especially when you see how radically different Daniel is irl to the characters that he plays.
EXCELLENT Commentary. 👏🏾👏🏾
I never watch movies more than once but Daniel Day Lewis' performance here pulled me back. Simply amazing.
The ending was oddly satisfying. Here was one man who is evil but embraced who his true self vs. a fraud.
Bill the butcher was the first time, I became aware of him, so this would be my pick.
Great analysis. They were both such interesting characters, and both Dano and Day-Lewis killed it with their performances. I like how you analyzed the last scene....
Day-Lewis' 'Milkshake Speech' will live rent-free in my head forever. Can't wait to cover this on my channel!
What makes this character so terrifying is how confrontational he is. Not just physically or socially, in the usual sense. His mannerisms and his presence are psychologically confrontational and unsettling. He doesn’t act like a *human* acts…
Love to see something on villains who are betrayed as hero’s
Portrayed
@@thomaslillian3433 You can edit your original comment if you didn’t know
*heroes
Walter White can be an example of that
@@frandovian The antihero.
This movie left a powerful impression on me at 21 years of age. I quoted it amongst my fellow movie goer friends while appreciated Daniel Day's acting abilities. It truly was a wonderful cinematic experience. Great acting by everyone involved! Not mention a driving score to boot!
Excellent review !
I freakin' love this review. Love it.
From the first time I saw it, I was puzzled and intrigued by Lewis' choice of line delivery with "I'm finished." There's half a hundred different ways he could have delivered that line... I often wondered if they filmed a variety of options, or was that Lewis' only choice from the outset?
almost like he was breaking the 4th wall with that statement.
This character immersed me unlike anyone else for so long. I was even trying to talk like him and act like him at home 🤣
I am an oil man...
Beautiful. I love how just a vision and gut feeling made such a great and iconic movie.
How stupendous
Movie was awesome. Great effort and creativity between all involved.
I’ll never forget my first time seeing this film, and this experience speaks true words to its effectiveness:
I was sitting at a table at a bar by myself as a teenager, waiting for my dad to pick me up after a street hockey match (he was running very late from work). On the TV behind the bar, this movie started playing on whatever channel the bartender left on. Around the bar were a bunch of working-class Bahamian men, who’d normally never pay attention to a movie like this, and honestly weren’t-at first. It’s a slow movie, or “slow-burn” as suggested in this video. I was definitely taking notice, however, having wanted to see this film for a little while.
The guys at the bar were going about their usual chat and gossip with the bartender... but then after a while they’d look up at the screen and start commenting on the movie. Back to usual chatting again. I think it was somewhere around the church-scene when I realized that everyone at the bar was suddenly completely silent, eyes glued to the screen-even the bartender. A few comments here and there about the film, some laughter from some of the crazy moments. They suddenly absolutely LOVED IT. This wasn’t the kind of film anyone there would typically watch (and I know my Bahamian people well lol). But something about it had them mesmerized.
It’s hard to call There Will Be Blood an “epic” by looking at the script alone. But when you get these passionate performances from the likes of Day-Lewis and Dano, suddenly it earns that title. It glues its observers in, even those who’d normally stick to action flicks and comedies. There’s just something about those performances that truly bring out what a masterpiece it actually is.
Daniel Day-Lewis is soooo underrated by the younger generation. He’s the goat in my opinion.
What a cool video! This movie is so complex, what a masterpiece. Definitely one of the best performances of any actor. For me, I have a very special place in my heart for Gangs of New York. It's really hard to pick any of his roles, so I will just say this is probably one of the single best films I've ever seen in my life on multiple levels. :D
Congrats on a million subs!
Watched this movie again recently. Absolute masterpiece
I would not call Daniel Plainview "evil" or "a villain". Ambitious and ruthless? Sure. More focused on success than love, family, or a concern for the well being of others? Absolutely. However, he's a very sympathetic- and tragic- character, as he and Eli take turns hurting each other over a period of several years. They are rivals and foils, with the ending scene being one of revenge (as Plainview blamed Eli for all that he lost-- and for the time he embarrassed him publicly in church).
Daniel adopted his son not just to make himself appear to be a family man, but also because he felt sorry for the orphaned boy. Furthermore, when he takes a con man into his inner circle he further cements the notion that he truly appreciates the concept of family. He wants to love, but he's bad at doing it. Now, of course, when Daniel is wronged, he tends to become murderously vindictive (which is inexcusable). Furthermore, he never takes the time to truly connect with his adopted son or to strike some kind of truce with Eli. He believes capitalism requires ruthlessness.
If you gleefully beat a man to death, you are pretty evil lol
@@ben1ben2ben1 Nah. The word "evil" is for children and fairytales. The movie gives us a lifetime of reasons for Daniel's anger. Although Daniel is wrong to murder Eli, we know precisely why these two characters despise each other. Simply calling Daniel "evil" is lazy and inaccurate. He feels wronged and thereby justified in his actions.
@Harry Bogaev Indeed. The movie is clearly very critical of those who worship the idea of capitalism and the false promise that hard work and lots of money will solve all of one's problems.
Furthermore, I'd venture to say that from a political perspective, half of the planet loves the idea of business and the free market, while the other half wishes for a more egalitarian society with regulation and controls to keep unfettered avarice in check.
@@macnolds4145 Even if evil belongs to fairytales, the actions and intentions of D.P. were not of the sort of person who lives their life with even a trace of dignity or integrity. What good is it to care for a child until you decide to abandon them? There is no good in anything he has done in his life.
@@chellelaw667 No offense, but that's a simplistic and binary way to examine things. It's easy to dismiss someone as being "evil" or "completely evil"; it's much more difficult to face the reality that good/ordinary people do bad things, and that we are all capable of horrific acts if driven by certain ideologies or aspirations. Plainview is as much a victim of capitalism as anyone else. He became physically disabled in the pursuit of oil, was betrayed by a con artist pretending to be a family member, was mocked by other hyper capitalists who viewed him as an outsider, was humiliated and manipulated by an avaricious zealot, witnessed his adopted son endure a debilitating injury, and so on, and so on.
That doesn't mean he's an innocent little lily, but he is certainly not a person "without a trace of dignity or integrity". On the contrary, he's a very proud and dignified man, who has his own rationalizations for all the wrongs he has done.
Great movie, great analysis. Thanks
"I'm finished!" Great analysis of one my favorite scenes in a movie. DDL is a giant.
I never realized he was supposed to be a villain.
exactly. that last scene was the payback we all craved for Plainview. : )
He isn't. Plainview is the hero that disposes of vile mystics and charlatans. Eli is a shitbag and villain.
I dont know how weird it is for me to say that, oftentimes when I feel low on mood or energy, I go on Netflix and load this scene up. It ignites me. It's so fucking powerful.
I remember watching this movie over and over again. I had sometimes no idea why I did this... You've made some interesting points thank you
Don’t forget the brilliant score by Jonny Greenwood. His music added such visceral textures to the already fragile feeling of the film.
I really disagree that Plainview is a villain here. In the beginning, he is a rather driven and fair businessman, seeking to find gold, like many others around him. He might not be nice, but he is not 'evil' or 'ruthless'. It is Paul Dano's character that is ominous and evil, seeking to use Plainview for his purposes. There might be no clear heros here, but both Elliah and Plainview end up falling victims - victims of oil, the actual villain of the story, and how it changes people into greedy monsters. I actually with PTA would have kept the original title of the novel.
It's interesting when the blame for people's actions are shifted to inanimate objects or ideals. It's like the people don't choose or self-govern. Like somehow, all the terrible choices they make or cruel decisions are not theirs but due to some outside interference. A philosophy that doesn't believe in self-determination.
A strange little existence with no free will. No accountability.
Kind of disgusting really. What an ugly reality. What's the point of it all?
I need a drink. At least let me choose that much.
@@darkjesterxiii True, people's actions are influenced by inanimate objects, power, money, objects of desire; they corrupt.
A drink has influenced your choices -- It got you now.
yeah the preacher was a hypocrite. willing to sell out his god for almighty dollar. Daniel sees this hypocrisy.
@@darkjesterxiii Daniel Plainview is very similar to Tony Montana in many respects. fierce, and uncompromising when it comes to business but are two steps too late when it comes to the people they love. often they see their own faults after its too late.
Ofc.
I like to think that Plainview didn't get caught for beating preacher-boy to death but very soon after he has a heart attack and passes away, lol.
Naw, he just kept winning after defeating evil.
@@delpullen1982 Defeating evil? You mean committing a completely pointless, uneccesary murder?
"...I've got this competition in my head....I don't think there should be any."
I couldn't agree more. It's truly cinema at it's finest. Have you covered their last film together, Phantom Thread?
I’ve watched this movie at least a dozen times, it’s a masterpiece.
I remember this movie and it was really good. Daniel Plainview is the devil in plain view. He was a designated villain, but he was not worse than just about all the other characters. Eli was the prior tyrant who used religion to steal from townspeople the way Daniel stole from Eli. The people Daniel terrorized, killed, and bullied were just as bad as Daniel. His fake brother turned out to be a scammer who just wanted to mooch off him. Daniel was a perfectly good father to HW for most of the movie. He did not take Deaf Kid care 101, so he sent his boy to people who did. He only disowned HW because the movie required him to have a downfall. He hated most people, but he was surrounded by people who kept giving him reasons to hate most people.
How is he "the devil"?
lmao moron. Daniel P is the real hero of the movie
What was brilliant is that "Eli" was played in such a way that you absolutely despise him. You almost cheer when Daniel bashes him with the pin at the end.
One of my favourite movies. The entire life experience is nuts, manipulative, and acted so well.
I actually found it quite comic.
Note: in the film, Plainview actually does have a moral core; he's just surrounded by evil and responds in kind. Eli, on the other hand, is a pure grifter, even more cynical than Plainview.
In the end, Plainview's character, so absorbed during his life in meeting evil with evil, becomes mad. Eli has no redemptive qualities, though.
Plainview is a tragic hero in this film. Eli is a wormy villain throughout.
daniel plainview a tragic hero? plainview is arguably the most evil character here. eli may have pious qualities and may have blasphemed but he is not in the same level as evil as plainview. the only moral core that you speak about is his nepotism streak even though both of his family members are false. henry being a false brother and hw for being a false son. he tell's henry during their little drink session and admits that he hates people, is a sociopath, and he needs someone at his side (like hw before his accident, why he abandoned hw as soon as henry arrived) daniel simply needed a minion to obey him.
@@DeDodgingEse No. There is a yearning for connection and warmth within Plainview, as one can see in his desire to have family with which to share life with. Yet he is continually confronted by selfish, amoral, ruthless and unscrupulous evildoers. He reacts in kind, and rightly so. But he winds up always being alone, which destroys him. You misunderstand the man. There is grit, determination and profound loneliness. In the end, the world and its inexhaustible supply of evil overwhelms him. It's ultimately very sad.
@@StudSupreme wow, youre a rare cookie. So many people are blinded by "businessman bad!" To actually understand the character.
Plainview is not a tragic hero, he’s the devil incarnate and one of the most unscrupulous psychopaths that has ever graced the big screen.
@@TC8787-yq7og why, what did he do that makes you say that?
Still my favorite movie and performance of all time
Ok. Now I have to see this. Thank you
The music score was chilling....
Daniel Day Lewis is one of the best actors that ever lived! Watching him play the oil tycoon was a masterpiece!
Despite DDLewis being as awesome as always, Paul Dano was so underrated. He showed even more skill, did his part exceptionally and arguably even better. But DDL was already a household name so Paul never had a chance to be as praised.
I also loved Paul dano but don't say he was better than the God of acting itself. DDL gave one of the greatest performances in cinema history
He was absolutely not better than daniel in anyway. Sorry man but that's just objectively untrue
I also enjoyed the humanizing aspect of this character, specifically his care and love for his deaf son, which did not change the trajectory of his character but did let us know he was a human.
I had never seen there will be blood, but i saw the thumbnail to this video and I decided I’d go check it out.
Holllyyyyyyyyy shhhhhiiii….Daniel Day Lewis is one of the best actors ever. The dark vengeance he carries for anyone who ever slighted him.. I’ve known people like that and saw them all through his portrayal, only day Lewis took all them to their extreme! Incredible and damn near a cautionary tale around sick ambition and where it leads.
Bravo bravo bravo✨🤝✨
One of the very few actors who was simply but totally hynotizing to watch. There was always an explosion simmering. Maybe it was pain. Maybe anger. Maybe madness. Or hurt ... Compassion ... Love. What was called for in each of his magnificent performances was delivered so astonishingly perfectly. I respect his decision to stop acting but like many, i selfishly hope he takes another dip.
The only other actors that I can think of that could’ve played Daniel Plainview are Gary Oldman and Christoph Waltz. DDL is the GOAT tho.
I absolutely love Waltz but I don’t think he could pull off this character. But I do think Oldman could have done it justice.
@@BbGun-lw5vi agreed Oldman could've done it
"The angularity of his posture"
Perfect way to explain what I've marveled over for years.