How a 2007 Epic About Oil and Greed Redefined the American Cinematic Landscape
In short: Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 drama, loosely adapted from Upton Sinclair’s novel Oil!, remains a towering achievement in modern film. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis as a ruthless prospector, the story explores the dark intersection of capitalism, family, and faith. Its production history is as intense and unconventional as the film itself.
The film follows Daniel Plainview, a silver miner who evolves into a powerful oilman during the turn of the 20th century. His journey is marked by a cold, calculated pursuit of wealth, often involving the exploitation of others and the manipulation of religious figures like the preacher Eli Sunday. Critics frequently interpret the narrative as a biting commentary on the destructive nature of American greed and the vanishing frontier, with the character’s internal competition driving his inevitable moral collapse.
Production was a laborious process, beginning after Eric Schlosser acquired the rights to Sinclair’s book in 2004. Paul Thomas Anderson, who had been struggling with a separate script about feuding families, found inspiration in the novel’s depiction of early oil barons like Edward Doheny. Filming took place in 2006 across Texas and California, utilizing period-accurate techniques and locations like the Greystone Mansion. The production was notable for its intensity; Daniel Day-Lewis famously stayed in character throughout the shoot, and the original actor cast as Eli Sunday was replaced by Paul Dano just two weeks into principal photography.
The film’s legacy is defined by its bold aesthetic and polarizing conclusion. While it earned universal acclaim and two Academy Awards, some critics argued that its final act, featuring a violent confrontation in a basement bowling alley, veered into melodrama. Despite these debates, the film’s unique score by Jonny Greenwood and its unflinching look at the American spirit have cemented its status as a landmark work of the 21st century, consistently topping lists of the most significant movies of its era.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: There Will Be Blood
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