Watch Trailer:
There Will Be Blood, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and based on Upton Sinclair’s novel Oil!, is a masterclass in storytelling, character study, and cinematic achievement. The film had a production budget of $25 million, which was modest compared to other Hollywood productions of the time but used effectively to create its expansive and authentic depiction of the American oil boom at the turn of the 20th century. Filmed primarily in Texas and California, the production captured the arid landscapes and rugged terrain critical to the story’s themes of greed and isolation.
Released on December 26, 2007, the film premiered in limited theaters before expanding its release in January 2008. Despite its niche appeal as a dark character study, the movie gained momentum through critical acclaim and word-of-mouth. Daniel Day-Lewis’s towering performance as Daniel Plainview was universally praised, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
The film grossed $76.2 million worldwide, more than tripling its budget. Its success extended beyond the box office, earning eight Academy Award nominations and winning two: Best Actor for Day-Lewis and Best Cinematography for Robert Elswit. The film’s score by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead also received widespread acclaim, becoming an iconic part of its identity.
Critics and audiences hailed There Will Be Blood as a profound exploration of ambition, power, and moral decay. The film’s success was not just financial but cultural, influencing filmmakers and cementing its status as a modern classic. Day-Lewis’s iconic “I drink your milkshake!” scene remains a pop-culture reference.
There Will Be Blood is now celebrated as one of the greatest films of the 21st century, standing as a testament to Paul Thomas Anderson’s visionary direction and Daniel Day-Lewis’s extraordinary talent. Its success story is a blend of artistic excellence, critical praise, and cultural impact, ensuring its enduring legacy in cinema history.
