|
 |
|
|
|
There Will Be Blood is an astounding movie. It is breathtaking, unnerving, and one of the most thematically textured movies released in years. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia), Blood centers on the life of Daniel Plainview, a silver miner turned oil baron at the beginning of the 20th century. Hard, determined, and methodical, Daniel by his own admission does not want to see any one else succeed other than himself, but his fortunes are always inextricably connected to the fortunes of others as he prospects land. One person in particular to which Daniel is connected is Eli Sunday. Eli is a young pastor in New Boston where Daniel is drilling for oil. Similar in many ways, Eli has an empire to build as well, the Third Revelation Church.
The beauty of Blood is that Anderson tells this story without judgment or ill motive. He allows Daniel and Eli to mark their own paths of fortune and heartbreak without showing his direct opinion about either character. While you sit physically passive in the theater, your brain actively races to see Daniel’s plan for New Boston unfold. Along the way, questions of allegiances to Eli and the other land owners are contrasted with the relationship between Daniel and H.W., his son. H.W. allows Daniel to appear human alongside his ambition, but Daniel’s dealings with the rest of the world create an ongoing tension as to whether violence or neglect will ultimately characterize the father and son relationship.
Eli appears to want to build a church (both physically and spiritually) with the same fervor that Daniel wants to build an oil empire. At times he appears either trustworthy or greedily ambitious, but somehow (to the credit of actor, Paul Dano) Eli has the appearance of meekness. However, both characters are asked at different times to violate their own principles to see the advancement of their empires. The audience is left to wonder whether either character can ultimately be redeemed or whether they will lead each to bankruptcy (either financial or moral).
I think the most enjoyable theme though, and what truly lies at the heart of the struggle for the characters and the audience, is the connection between the growth of the church and capitalism. In my observation, two conditions fuel the church more than any other: persecution and prosperity. Ironic though it may be, nothing causes churches to grow with more fervor than standing up in the face of persecution or riding the wave of capitalism. Persecution comes with promised blessing while wealth comes with warning. Anderson does a good job of pursuing both throughout the movie.
There Will Be Blood doesn’t leave a bunch of innocents in its wake, but then again, I imagine there aren’t a lot of innocents watching it either. The lessons and warnings that come from observing Eli and Daniel are worth noting either for ourselves or for our churches, but don’t let the opportunity to see this film get away. It is worthy every minute of its two and half hours.
Gordon Duncan is the pastor of Sovereign King Church. He is married to his beautiful wife, Amy, and they have three daughters.
|
I have not viewed this movie but have seen a review on Sunday Morning a few week s back. There was nothing mentioned in the Sunday Morning review about Eli and his striving to build a church.
Funny how the media tries to play down the spiritual aspect of life.
To the first comment, one wouldn't want anyone, especially the media, playing up the spiritual aspect in this movie.
The pastor comes off as manipulative, having multiple personalities, and as Gordon eluded to earlier, violates his principals to see the advancement of his empire.
Sadly, I don't mind people in the business world doing that so much, but when its in the church, I think it breaks God's heart.
Great review and a great movie.
... if only there was a god, as I almost thought there wasn't going to be blood!
|
|
|
|
(1)
I have not viewed this movie but have seen a review on Sunday Morning a few week s back. There was nothing mentioned in the Sunday Morning review about Eli and his striving to build a church.
Funny how the media tries to play down the spiritual aspect of life.
Posted by 4WheelDrive | Posted at 02/09/2008 3:07 PMTo the first comment, one wouldn't want anyone, especially the media, playing up the spiritual aspect in this movie.
The pastor comes off as manipulative, having multiple personalities, and as Gordon eluded to earlier, violates his principals to see the advancement of his empire.
Sadly, I don't mind people in the business world doing that so much, but when its in the church, I think it breaks God's heart.
Great review and a great movie.
Posted by Matt | Posted at 02/25/2008 6:56 PM... if only there was a god, as I almost thought there wasn't going to be blood! Posted by Ike | Posted at 04/06/2008 4:01 PM