There Will Be Blood 2007
Directed by
Paul Thomas Anderson
Made by
Paramount Vantage
Plot Summary
In the year 1898, a prospector named Daniel Plainview, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, sets out in New Mexico to mine a potentially valuable ore vein. While attempting to dynamite his way to success, he suffers a broken leg. Unfazed, Daniel manages to haul himself out of the pit with a silver sample in hand and proceeds to an assay office, where he receives a certificate that claims his fortune.
Fast forward to 1902, and Daniel finds himself struck by fortune yet again when he discovers oil near Los Angeles. He promptly establishes a drilling company and, after a tragic accident that claims the life of one of his workers, adopts the man’s orphaned son, H. W.. This strategic move not only tugs at the heartstrings but also allows Daniel to present himself as a family man to potential investors.
By 1911, Daniel’s quest for wealth leads him to Little Boston, California, where he meets Paul Sunday who informs him of a rich oil deposit beneath his family’s land. Daniel tries to acquire the property at a bargain, but complications arise when Eli, Paul’s twin brother and pastor, demands a hefty $10,000 for the church. They settle for $5,000, but as the oil begins to flow, tragedy strikes again with a blowout that deafens H. W.
Eli, feeling wronged, believes Daniel’s refusal to bless the well is to blame, and tensions escalate between the two. As Eli demands his payment, Daniel’s wrath surfaces, resulting in a brutal confrontation. In a twist of fate, a man claiming to be Daniel’s half-brother, Henry, enters the picture, leading to a bond that crumbles as Daniel discovers the truth behind Henry’s identity, ending in a shocking act of violence.
With ambitions high, Daniel makes a deal with Union Oil, but old rivalries and secrets linger, especially with the Bandy ranch still in his way. After a humiliating baptism at Eli’s church, Daniel’s life begins to spiral further. Now wealthy in 1927, but consumed by alcoholism, Daniel is a recluse in his expansive mansion. H. W., having grown up, seeks to forge his path in Mexico, which triggers a brutal reaction from Daniel, leading H. W. to express his relief in not having any part of Daniel in him.
The cycle of manipulation and betrayal comes to a head when Eli, now a radio preacher, approaches a drunken Daniel with an offer on the land of the deceased William Bandy. Under duress to abandon his faith, Eli complies, only to find himself entangled in Daniel’s web of deceit. The confrontation culminates in a shocking act of violence, as Daniel, fueled by rage and resentment, brutally ends Eli’s life with a bowling pin in his private alley before sitting in silence, whispering “I’m finished!”.
Timeline
Daniel's Breakthrough
In 1898, prospector Daniel Plainview begins his ambitious journey in the harsh terrain of New Mexico. While attempting to dynamite a mine for valuable ore, he suffers a broken leg but refuses to let his injury deter him from his quest for fortune.
First Taste of Success
After hauling himself from the pit, Daniel visits an assay office where he receives a certificate that solidifies his discovery's worth. This moment marks the beginning of his relentless pursuit for wealth in the mineral-rich lands of the west.
Oil Discovery
By 1902, Daniel strikes gold again with the discovery of oil near Los Angeles. He capitalizes on this fortune by establishing a drilling company, ushering in a new era of wealth and ambition.
Adopting H.W.
Tragedy strikes when a workplace accident results in the death of one of Daniel's workers. In a calculated move, he adopts the man's orphaned son, H.W., to enhance his image and attract potential investors.
The Little Boston Deal
By 1911, Daniel's relentless pursuit for wealth leads him to Little Boston, California, where he meets Paul Sunday. Paul reveals the presence of a lucrative oil deposit beneath his family's land, prompting Daniel to negotiate for the rights.
Complications with Eli
As Daniel seeks to acquire the land, complications arise when Paul's twin brother, Eli, demands a significant payment for the church's involvement. After tense negotiations, they settle on $5,000, but this agreement is only the beginning of significant troubles ahead.
Tragedy Strikes Again
With the oil flowing, disaster befalls Daniel when a blowout occurs that leaves H.W. deaf. The tragedy not only affects Daniel's family but also ignites tension and blame between him and Eli, who feels wronged for not receiving Daniel's support.
Rivalry with Eli
The relationship between Daniel and Eli deteriorates as Eli demands payment and confronts Daniel over his refusal to bless the well. Their rivalry culminates in a brutal confrontation that highlights the brewing conflict and escalating stakes.
Henry's Arrival
During this tumultuous time, a man calling himself Henry arrives, claiming to be Daniel's half-brother. Initially, Daniel forms a bond with Henry, but this relationship turns tragic as Daniel uncovers the truth about Henry’s intentions.
Deal with Union Oil
As Daniel continues his quest for power and wealth, he starts negotiations with Union Oil. However, the specter of his past rivalries looms over him, especially regarding the Bandy ranch that still poses a threat to his ambitions.
Baptism and Spiraling Life
After a humiliating baptism at Eli’s church, Daniel’s world begins to fragment. Now in 1927 and consumed by alcoholism, he finds himself a recluse, living in his grand mansion, alienated from the world and those he once cherished.
H.W.'s Independence
As H.W. matures, he seeks to carve out his own path, deciding to venture into Mexico. This decision infuriates Daniel, revealing the undercurrents of control and resentment that define their relationship.
Confrontation with Eli
In a gripping climax, Eli, now a radio preacher, approaches a drunken Daniel with an offer for the land of the deceased William Bandy. The meeting escalates, revealing the extent of Daniel's manipulative nature.
Final Act of Violence
The tension reaches a boiling point when Daniel, driven by rage and resentment, brutally murders Eli with a bowling pin in his private alley. This shocking act marks the end of their tumultuous rivalry and a conclusion to Daniel's tangled web of deceit.
Daniel's Conclusion
After the violent confrontation with Eli, Daniel sits in silence and whispers, 'I’m finished!' This moment encapsulates the hollow victory of his wealth and power, leaving him isolated in his mansion.
Characters
Daniel Plainview
Daniel Plainview, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, is an ambitious and ruthless oilman whose relentless pursuit of wealth shapes his moral landscape. Initially a hard-working prospector, his character evolves into a manipulative and violent figure as he navigates the treacherous world of oil drilling. His longing for legacy clashes with his growing isolation and internal conflict.
H. W.
H. W. is the adopted son of Daniel Plainview, who becomes a deeply affected character as he grapples with the complexities of their relationship. His journey reflects innocence colliding with Daniel's ambition and cruelty. As H. W. grows up, he seeks independence, ultimately rejecting his father's legacy.
Eli Sunday
Eli Sunday is a charismatic pastor and Daniel's rival, representing the intersection of faith and greed. His demeanor hides a complex character driven by ambition and resentment towards Daniel's refusal to cooperate. Their contentious relationship culminates in a violent encounter, emphasizing the clash between religion and capital.
Henry
Henry, initially presenting as Daniel's half-brother, disrupts Daniel's life and reveals deeper family issues. His presence strains Daniel's already fragile relationships and ultimately triggers a violent confrontation. Henry's fate illustrates the consequences of deceit in pursuit of personal gain.
Setting
Time period
1898-1927
The film traverses the late 19th century to the late 1920s, a period marked by the American Industrial Revolution and the oil boom. This era saw significant economic growth, territorial expansion, and the exploitation of natural resources. It also highlights social tensions and the moral struggles of individuals amidst the pursuit of wealth.
Location
New Mexico, Los Angeles, Little Boston, California
The movie takes place in various locations, starting with the rugged desert terrain of New Mexico, known for its rich mineral deposits and harsh environment. It then shifts to Los Angeles, a rapidly growing city during the early 1900s, eventually reaching Little Boston, California, a small town that conceals valuable oil beneath its surface. Each place reflects the ambition and greed that fuel the protagonist's journey.
Themes
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Greed
Greed pervades the narrative, driving Daniel Plainview's relentless quest for wealth and power. His obsession leads to manipulation, betrayal, and ultimately, violence, showcasing the destructive nature of ambition. The movie reflects how greed can corrupt relationships and moral integrity, leaving devastation in its wake.
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Isolation
Isolation is a central theme as Daniel's pursuit of wealth alienates him from his family and the community. Despite his riches, he becomes a recluse, consumed by his own demons. The estrangement from his adopted son H.W. symbolizes the emotional cost of his ambitions, revealing the emptiness that wealth can bring.
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