THERE WILL BE BLOOD

(Paramount Vantage)
Runtime: 158 min

Judging from the title, I thought this is the Saw franchise spin-off, as you know, Jigsaw says his famous “Yes there will be blood” line on Saw II. But it turns out to be more gross and disturbing than Saw or any gore flick, without any gore at all. The music and atmosphere scared the shit out of me, but I just cannot turn my face, the bleaker it goes the more you do not want to close your eyes.

Definitely not a crowd pleaser, with runtime more than two hours you can hear many yawns here and there. The whole film gravitates around Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day Lewis), an oil businessman at the early 20th century who works hard to be an oil mogul. After a near death accident, Daniel take care an orphan, which later is named H.W (no hint on what that means).

By 1912, Daniel has become a notorious oil man, and looking to expand his wealth. Accompanied by his partner, Fletcher (Ciarán Hinds), he travels to California to follow a promising lead. What he finds there astonishes him. He seeks to buy large portion of land but stumble upon a preacher, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), who wants Daniel to donate his money to the local church before he sells. After the contract is signed, however, Daniel does not keep his promises, and shortly thereafter, once the first drill has become operational, there is an accident that costs H.W. his hearing.

Daniel is a fascinating character and full of hatred: “I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people.” Daniel bluntly admits ”There are times when I look at people and I see nothing worth liking. I want to earn enough money that I can get away from everyone.” Daniel is a monster who hates all men, including him, he has no friends, lovers, real partners even he treat his adopted son just like a tool to reach his wealth.

But can he get away with things he despises most? Does the massive amount of wealth he accumulates do something to redeem his poisoned conscience? He knows how to manipulate every situation to his advantage. He understands the business of oil and transforms himself from a poor miner into a wealthy businessman who can stand up to the mighty Standard Oil but the richer he gets the more corrupt, conflicted and decay he becomes. In many ways, he's a tragic figure we hate to love, a mixture of Travis Bickle and Richard Nixon.

What cause this man to be monstrous and borderline antisocial? One can only wonder since no clue on Daniel’s past given here.

The first 15 minutes provide you with no dialogue at all, the score sucks the happines out of you and the cinematography is stunning, remind me of some old dark noir.

The production team has worked very well recreating early 20th century oil rig plus give the viewers some insight on how dangerous the search for black gold can be.

Entire cast looks to have stepped out of a photo album from a century ago. Kudos to Daniel Day Lewis who immerse so deep in his character even speak a distinct accent (I never been to Texas but it sounded like a very unique English) and remind me of Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York.

If you do not like anything disturbing that will rip your soul apart and then put it together in a despicable manner, do not watch this film, but if you want to watch a stellar performance with a Kubrick level masterpiece, yes There Will be an Oscar!