It has been a while since I watched a film where the acting and casting is so damn convincing - I have to start this review by saying that.

The plot is definitely off the beaten track anf the writing very very much a breath of fresh air.

Unfortunately this is a film that can come down to tastes quite a bit when the reviews come round, and although I can't necessarily critique it specifically, there is something about it that I just couldn't get gripped by, and the ending didn't truly satisfy me (though the end scene itself is probably the high point of the movie. Confusing review, I know)

This is not a negative review by any means, but 8-10 are reserved for films that truly get you talking, or have a huge emotional impact in my opinion

As a recommendation, this film is a definite yes. I believe that I am on the side of people who this genre doesn't appeal to much at all, but as a piece of film and a showcase of acting, it is utterly utterly great.

Before I began watching this film, I read through the IMDb trivia for "There Will Be Blood". It mentioned that Daniel Day-Lewis got inspiration for his role by listening to recordings of John Huston's voice. Well, it's pretty amazing, as his voice DID sound just like him--and it's a bit weird. His acting throughout the film is exceptional--and I can see why he earned an Oscar for this performance.

Despite this and despite this being a quality film, it's also an incredibly oppressive and dark film---and I am sure it will NOT appeal to everyone. The plot is just unrelentingly nasty and the final portion where the film appears to have a strongly anti-religious bent will alienate people. However, at the same time, it impressed many--and is currently a very highly rated film on IMDb.

Day-Lewis plays a misanthropic jerk--one of the cruelest and nastiest in film history. He makes Ebenezer Scrooge look like a pussycat--and late in the film it becomes apparent that he not only hates everyone and is evil but he's also a sociopathic killer. This ending appears to come from out of no where...and once again is bound to alienate more than a few people.

Overall, the film is a masterful performance by Day-Lewis and the film has many fine moments. I was also impressed that the latter portions of the film actually used real deaf folks using real sign language (this is not always the case in films)--and they were quite easy to understand if you know the language. Oddly, however, when I watched this movie on cable, it was NOT closed captioned!! I assume the DVD did have captions. Turnoffs would include pretty much the entire last 10 minutes of the movie. It just seemed too foul--too dark. And, I felt a bit cheated, as I'd spent so much time on the film and had enjoyed it up until then.

There Will be Blood! What a fine film! In fact I would go as far to say it is one of the best of the last decade. Visually, it is stunning, I loved the skillful cinematography and shots and the scenery was amazing. Jonny Greenwood's music is atmospheric and haunting as well, the script is lyrical, hysterical and sometimes even baffling, the story is excellent and thematically rich and the pace is fine, quite slow but deliberately so.

There Will be Blood is brilliantly directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and the characters are intriguing. In fact to me the character of Daniel Plainview makes the movie. Magnificently portrayed by Daniel Day Lewis, he is quite complex- while monstrous and cold-hearted, because of his love for his adopted son I wouldn't necessarily call him completely evil either. Paul Dano also does a fine job as Eli Sunday.

Overall, a truly fine film and one of the best of the last decade in my view. 10/10 Bethany Cox