It is a relentless character study anchored byDaniel Day-Lewiss incredible, Oscar-winning performance as Daniel Plainview.
The film itself was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Naturally, the film is packed with great scenes that are immensely rewatchable.
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But here, the cracks start to show.
Henry’s indifference sparks suspicion in Daniel’s eyes, setting in motion Henry’s ultimate demise.
Henry’s indifference sparks suspicion in Daniel’s eyes, setting in motion Henry’s ultimate demise.
The scene’s setup is fantastic.
It’s just mostly close-ups to show their facial expressions.
9Daniel Meets Paul Sunday
“You look for oil.”
Paul approaches Daniel and claims that his familys ranch in Little Boston sits on an ocean of oil.
This scene is incredibly rewatchable because ofits subtle power dynamics, sharp dialogue, and intense performances.
His delivery is measured, his expressions are cautious yet confident.
He also gives Paul’s character a subtle difference from his twin.
Day-Lewis, as always, is mesmerizing.
Despite being Paul Sunday’s only appearance in the film, it’s a memorable and powerful scene.
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8Daniel Slaps Around Eli Sunday
“I’m going to bury you underground.”
Filled with self-righteous indignation, Eli insists that Daniel has profited from the land and now owes them compensation.
As Daniel drags him through the dirt, Eli is utterly humiliated, reduced to a pitiful mess.
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Day-Lewiss performance is unexpectedly unrestrained in this scene.
However, this scene is also one of the most satisfying to watch.
Its a scene that leaves a lasting impression, one that is cathartic to rewatch.
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’s Goodbye
“Bastard from a basket.”
In 1927, H.W.
Daniel says that H.W.was just an orphan he found.
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He was merely used for business purposes to sweeten deals.
to respond by speaking, instead of using sign language and his interpreter.
Initially devastated, H.W.
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comes to terms and says that he was glad to have none of Daniel in him.
Daniel says that H.W.was just an orphan he found.
He was merely used for business purposes to sweeten deals.
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This scene is the emotional climax of Daniel and H.W.
’s silence but loud expressions.
The scene is followed by a quick flashback when Daniel plays with a young H.W., furthering its impact.
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6Eli Sunday’s Exorcism
“Get out of here, ghost!”
This scene is deeply rewatchable because ofDanos mesmerizing performance, which is both hypnotic and unnerving.
He managed to stand his ground being in one frame with the towering Day-Lewis.
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He was unjustly snubbed during the awards season, only securing a BAFTA nomination for his performance.
The scene itself is masterfully executed by Andersonand cinematographer Robert Elswit.
5The Opening Sequence
Witness Daniel Plainview’s origin story.
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The scene then transitions four years later as he starts to drill for oil.
The opening sequence culminates as he takes in a child whose father was killed in a drilling accident.
It’s a mesmerizing sequence that shows Daniels pain, his determination, and his growing obsession with success.
Image via Paramount Vantage
The dialogue-free opening sets the tone for Daniel Plainview’s relentless ambition and isolation.
It’s a mesmerizing sequence that shows Daniels pain, his determination, and his growing obsession with success.
All of them are communicated through Andersons stark direction andDay-Lewiss intense performance.
It’s an unforgettable opening for the film’s ruthless and unforgiving world.
When you’ve seen this opening, you will want to watch the film until the end.
4A Rare Moment of Honesty
“I have a competition in me.”
He wants to earn so much money so that he can get away from everyone.
Theres no manipulation in this moment just raw, unfiltered truth.
Elswit’s framing makes the moment feel intimate yet unsettling, with a close-up and Daniels face only half-lit.
3The Oil Derrick Explosion
It should have been blessed.
Daniel frantically tries to rescue him but chooses to take care of his oil derrick instead.
The explosion did not mean disaster it meant there was an abundance of oil supply on the land.
The towering flames, the deep black smoke, and the chaos are captured beautifully by Robert Elswits cinematography.
This scene is rewatchable because its pure visual storytelling at its finest.
The towering flames, the deep black smoke, and the chaos are captured beautifully by Elswits cinematography.
2The Baptism
“I’ve abandoned my child!”
Pushed to repent after murdering the fraudulent “Henry”, Daniel attends Eli Sunday’s mass.
Eli slaps him and taunts him, forcing Daniel to scream repeatedly, Ive abandoned my child!
Daniel is subsequently baptized to have his sins forgiven.
Eli finally gets his revenge on Daniel by forcing him to be publicly humiliated in front of the congregation.
Dano is simply incredible in this scene, asserting dominance as Eli to the powerful oil businessman.
1The Final Showdown
“I drink your milkshake!”
But the drunk and reclusive Daniel has no interest in business.
I drink it up!
With masterful acting, unsettling tension, and explosive violence, the scene is endlessly rewatchable.
After all, he couldn’t stand to see anyone else win.
