There Will Be Blood poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Kevin J. O'Connor, Ciarán Hinds, Dillon Freasier ... see more see more... , Sydney McCallister , David Willis , David Warshofsky , Colton Woodward , Colleen Foy , Russell Harvard

Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson steps outside his contemporary world of dysfunctional Angelenos to explore a very different dysfunctional man -- an oil pioneer whose trailblazing spirit is equale... read more read more...d only by his murderous ambition. There Will Be Blood is Anderson's loose adaptation of the novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair, and it focuses its attentions on Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), a miner who happens upon black gold during a disastrous excavation that ends in a broken leg. Pulling himself up from the bowels of the earth, both literally and metaphorically, Plainview embarks on a systematic and steadfast approach to mastering the oil business. Using plain-spoken and straightforward language, Plainview launches a campaign to convince small-town property owners they should let him drill their land. Without him, they won't have the equipment to access the profit beneath their feet. He builds an empire this way -- and gradually becomes obsessed with the intrinsic value of power, growing increasingly irascible and paranoid in the process. Plainview meets his match in Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a teenage preacher in the small California town of Little Boston, whose brother tipped Plainview off to the town's plentiful supply of untapped oil. To fully reap the benefits of the land, Plainview must suffer the opposing whims of this "prophet," whose legitimacy is questionable at best. And it's unclear if either man is prepared to pay the humiliating price the other wants to exact. There Will Be Blood features an anachronistic soundtrack by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, and it was shot in the same town where the James Dean epic Giant was filmed. ~ Derek Armstrong, Rovi

Flixster Users

84% liked it

211,583 ratings

Critics

91% liked it

214 critics

R, 2 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Release Date: December 26, 2007

Keywords: dark, epic, intense, horror, slow

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: April 8, 2008

Get It:

Stats: 40,103 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood there will be blood There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood Poster There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood There Will Be Blood OIL! H.W. There Will Be Blood I Drink Your Milkshake DVD Cover There Will Be Blood
Upload a Photo | View All There Will Be Blood Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (40,103)

  • brooklynspo
    February 19, 2008
    brooklynspo
    Poor storytelling and virtually no character development. Arbitrary, episodic and confusing.

    Yes - DDL is God and the cinematography and sense of place and time are uncanny but after a terrific opening hour this film just coughs and sputters.
  • FrizzDrop
    May 15, 2013
    FrizzDrop
    No other film more aptly deserves the title of modern classic than this whirlwind historical drama. Director Paul Thomas Anderson absolutely left his comfort zone of the eccentric lives of Los Angelenos in order to make a film that takes place at the offset of the oil reign. Ande... read morerson writes and directs this film about the beginning of the oil boom in California at the beginning of the 20th century. Very loosely based on Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!" and much more on historical figures and testimony from the Teapot Dome Scandal, Anderson creates an enigma, a man who is murderous and power hungry yet untruthful about his intent. This creates a literal powder keg, as the prospector does anything and everything in order to gain his fortunes, even if that means letting go of his son, and having the bond between them severed irrevocably. Of course, besides Anderson creating the character of Daniel Plainview so beautifully, it is acted by the incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis. Day-Lewis is Plainview, embodying the character so well that without him this film would never have even touched on what it became. Day-Lewis is cold, conniving, principled and yet heartless, and does anything and everything for money. He isn't only driven by money though, but the stability his son needs, the familiar ties he thinks he wants even after all these years, and power over his oppressors. His performance includes a brash voice, a cocky attitude, and several moments that will remain iconic in film forever more. Besides his own ambitions he has to have the town understand him and give him license to take what he needs. He comes up against the town preacher, played by Paul Dano, and their feud begins. Paul Dano gives the best performance of his career thus far and does so under the guise of a man with his own ambitions, using moral superiority, cunning and empirical thinking to get himself a cut of Daniel's profits for himself, all in the name of religion. It's this vendetta between the two, enacted in violence and callous accusations, that remains pivotal to the film and drives it forward time and again. Even in the end there isn't any true resolution, only an end to the madness each has decided to enact. Very impressive was the choice in composer as well, as the score remains out of place and yet so tense and perfect. The score is done by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, who has composed some impressive films as of late, and who remains one to watch. Between the performances, music, setting, and contextual use of dialogue and historical content this film has become an instant classic, and its gradual move towards power grabbing will keep you rooted to your seat the entire way through.
  • garyX
    April 26, 2013
    garyX
    There Will Be Blood follows the rise of oil tycoon Daniel Plainview from his humble beginnings as a prospector working the land with his own two hands through to solitary mansion-bound multi-millionaire. I'm not surprised that this was adapted from a book published in 1927; it ha... read mores a real old-fashioned feel to it and a palpable sense of authenticity. Therefore anyone used to the constant fast cuts, CGI, pop music soundtracks and wibbly wobbly camera work of modern cinema may find it tough going. It's a character study pure and simple, and Daniel Day Lewis is simply incredible. He is an ACTOR, not a movie star, and at no point to you become aware of the fact that he is just an actor acting; he genuinely brings Plainview to life. Unfortunately for those who like their films with a lovable hero to cheer for, he's a cold, bullying opportunist with a single-minded desire not only to succeed, but to see everyone else fail; if he encounters anyone or anything he can't control, he must destroy it. Not the most likeable protagonist then! And to top it off, I found Paul Dano's evangelist even more disturbing; Plainview may be cold-hearted and ruthless, but at least he had a brutal honesty about him and never pretended to be something he's not. It's also a beautifully shot film with many memorable images and an extremely expressive score from Johnny Greenwood. It's certainly not a cinematic quick fix, and I think the best way to describe it is Citizen Kane meets Michael Corleone. It won't be to everyone's taste but anyone wanting a cerebral character study combined with a powerhouse acting performance should look no further.
  • edfilmreviews
    October 12, 2012
    edfilmreviews
    The acting by Daniel Day-Lewis is probably the main reason to watch this. Otherwise, "There Will Be Blood" is an alright film. It's slow and for the most part boring. Also, the score is lame, did not fit at all. But I do like how it touches on aspects of human nature: greed, comp... read moreetitiveness, hatred, and so on.
  • fb619846742
    September 22, 2012
    fb619846742
    An American masterpiece concerning a greedy oil-man (Daniel Day-Lewis) who comes to a small town in California during the start of the 20th century, offering peace and prosperity to all who won't step in his way, until a zealous young pastor (Paul Dano) interferes with his plans ... read morefor power and control over the region. Upon re-watch, I consider this to be a masterful film, rather than just a mediocre one. The main reason why is just how skillfully and effortlessly director P.T. Anderson sucks you in to these characters, as reprehensible as they are, and makes them arresting ones you can not help but look away from. As chaotic as the finale to the movie is, it is an appropriately fitting one considering all the pent up anger Day-Lewis's Daniel Plainview stores up inside him over the years. It is a disturbing downward spiral into the dark soul of a troubled human being, but one that you can not help but remember for a long time after the credits roll. Day-Lewis, the best actor working on the planet right now, is phenomenal as always, and Dano is just as good as a pastor corrupted by his lust for power. Engrossing, if despicable, this film flies by thanks to the hypnotizing grasp the movie takes hold of you right from the beginning, for nearly 160 minutes. Not many directors can pull that feat off.
  • fb1442511448
    August 12, 2012
    fb1442511448
    Daniel Day-Lewis gives possible his greatest performance as a greed-driven driller in the turn of the new century. The film presents an awe-inspiring with splendid performances from the entire cast. Paul Thomas Anderson directs his best piece to date. 4/5
  • emilkakko
    June 24, 2012
    emilkakko
    Dark, original and highly ambitious film from great Paul Thomas Anderson. There Will Be Blood is like a hybrid of of different genres.
    While it is mostly a study of one man's greed and corruption, it still has some weird undertones of horror beneath it's surface.
    Jonny Greenwoo... read mored's outstanding score comes off as the most amazing thing here, and Dillon Frasier and Paul Dano steals the show with their acting talent.
    Much has been said about performance of Daniel Day-Lewis and while it earned him a Oscar, i still think it does go way over the top at times.
    Ultimately his performance actually is the only weak part of this film. Too bad because this film has all the potential to be a classic, but it never reaches those heights because Anderson does not know when to stop and allow things get out of hand with Day-Lewis and his performance.
    Still overall, this is a fascinating study of an evil inside us.
  • spielberg00
    June 10, 2012
    spielberg00
    Day-Lewis, in fact, was what made this film ultimately watchable. His performance started out quite mighty, and it only got better from there. I canâ(TM)t compare it to any of his other roles. Unfortunately, I havenâ(TM)t seen any of his other acclaimed performances in films such... read more as GANGS OF NEW YORK, MY LEFT FOOT, and IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER. What I can say is he deserved the Oscar he got for his performance here. His delivery was one of the best Iâ(TM)ve seen of the last decade.

    THERE WILL BE BLOOD had a very interesting plot, taken loosely from Sinclair Lewisâ(TM)sâ"I mean Upton Sinclairâ(TM)s novel Oil!. The problem is the speed at which the story is told. Had the pacing not been so inconveniently dilatory, I would have given this a much higher grade. Iâ(TM)m not saying films shouldnâ(TM)t take their time. They should in some cases, and this was certainly one. In other words, thereâ(TM)s a difference between watching someone carefully paint, and watching the paint dry.
  • fb1463751009
    March 9, 2012
    fb1463751009
    2 words (or 3?). Daniel-Day Lewis. What a performance. You are not going to see acting like this in a long time. If compared to any other actor in Hollywood at this time, no one would match up to his performance. Daniel-Day Lewis is THAT good in this movie. Many will stray from t... read morehis seemingly, anti-climactic movie but this movie is impeccably made. The direction: phenomenal. Cinematography: Absolutely gorgeous. This is a film! An absolute must watch. This is a masterpiece.
  • axadntpron
    February 11, 2012
    axadntpron
    Just re-watched this film. Anderson and Daniel Day Lewis make an unstoppable combination. Self-indulgent, mesmerizing, and sorrowfully beautiful.

View All There Will Be Blood Reviews

Critic Reviews

Bob Mondello
October 18, 2008
Bob Mondello, NPR.org

This sometimes magnificent, decidedly strange film is a portrait of a terrible, rapacious man. Full Review

Richard Schickel
October 18, 2008
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

One of the most wholly original American movies ever made. Full Review

Christopher Orr
September 18, 2008
Christopher Orr, The New Republic

There Will Be Blood establishes itself as a film of Darwinian ferocity, a stark and pitiless parable of American capitalism. Full Review

Jonathan F. Richards
February 5, 2008
Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com

Daniel Day-Lewis bestrides the narrow world like a colossus as Daniel Plainview, a turn-of-the-last-century prospector for gold and silver who stumbles upon oil in rural California and goes after it w... Full Review

Christy Lemire
January 18, 2008
Christy Lemire, Associated Press

Someday, we're probably going to look back at There Will Be Blood, Paul Thomas Anderson's epic about greed, lies, manipulation and insanity, and call it his masterpiece.

Roger Moore
January 18, 2008
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

It's oil, and a West that was just discovering it, that makes There Will Be Blood intriguing. But it's Day-Lewis who draws us in. Full Review

Rene Rodriguez
January 11, 2008
Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald

Anderson is attempting to harness the old-fashioned American Western epic with the probing psychology and intimacy of a modern-day character study. The fact that that character happens to be so repell...

Amy Biancolli
January 11, 2008
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

As an incurable romantic, I hold out hope that Anderson's flawed but phenomenal feat here marks the start of a new, mature stage in a long career. He has genius in him. So does the movie -- before its... Full Review

Adam Graham
January 11, 2008
Adam Graham, Detroit News

A maddening epic with a towering, bravura performance from star Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood will rattle your brain for weeks, even months after you see it. Full Review

Peter Rainer
January 10, 2008
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

Sprawling yet cramped, There Will Be Blood may not be the best movie of the year, but it's certainly the strangest. It evokes passing comparisons to everything from Giant to Citizen Kane but it's impo... Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Gangs of New York
    Gangs of New York (91%)
  • The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
    The Assassination of Jesse James by the Cowar... (86%)
  • Giant
    Giant (84%)
  • Japón
    Japón (50%)

More Movies like There Will Be Blood

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Daniel Plainview: They should have put you in a glass jar on a mantlepiece.
    • H.M. Tilford: How's your boy?
    • Daniel Plainview: Thank you for asking.
    • H.M. Tilford: Is there anything we can do?
    • Daniel Plainview: 'Thanks for asking' is enough.
    • Daniel Plainview: [to Eli] I told you I was going to eat you! I told you I was going to eat you up!
    • Daniel Plainview: I'm going to bury you underground, Eli.
    • Daniel Plainview: [to Paul Sunday] If I travel all the way there and find out that you're a liar, I'll find you and take more than my money back, is that alright with you?
    • Daniel Plainview: There's a whole ocean of oil under our feet! No one can get at it except for me!
Submit a Fact | View All

There Will Be Blo... : Watch Free on TV

There Will Be Blood Trivia

  • What movie is this quote from? "Oh yes there will be blood"  Answer »
  • In "there will be blood" while working in the oil well, the rig falls apart and a piece comes crashing down killing one of the workers, what part of his body was torn off?  Answer »
  • in "there will be blood" daniels son loses what after an accident?  Answer »
  • Which member of the band Radiohead composed the music for the film THERE WILL BE BLOOD?  Answer »
More There Will Be Blood Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All There Will Be Blood Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add There Will Be Blood to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View There Will Be Blood News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

BanaticAKAHillhero Skin by BanaticAKAHillhero
167 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins