I think there are certain films that, remove the central performance, and there’s not alot left. There Will Be Blood is one of those films, The Wrestler (and Raging Bull) are others.

The power of the acting takes over the film, which otherwise demonstrates PTA’s mastery of the story. His direction is sparse, none of the visual tricks of his earlier work here. This is wise, as it allows DDL to take over the screen. His portrayal of a man whose ambition is the end of all means is the best piece of acting I’ve seen this decade.

So why did I remove a star? because the climax fucking sucks. No modern masterpiece falls apart at the end like this one does. Say what you want, but it’s a dud.