I just watched There Will Be Blood again on DVD (I had previously seen it in theatres).

There were two things that occurred to me.

First, I’m not sure it’s possible to name a better acting performance in the history of cinema. There might have been performances on par with Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of Daniel Plainview, but I doubt it’s possible to name a better one. Pretty outstanding.

Second, Paul Thomas Anderson does not interfere with the story. He defers completely to the performances, and allows their brilliance to carry the picture. The framing and camera work is simple and powerful. I was particularly impressed this time around by the make-up and wardrobe, thoroughly enjoyed the score as much as I had previously, but found myself less impressed than I had been in theatres with the lighting – it’s good, to be sure, in many scenes, but left me wanting in many others.

A tremendous accomplishment, all told, and a film I’ll no doubt enjoy watching again and again over the coming years.

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