There Will Be Blood (2007) – This epic drama, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman driven by ambition and greed. The story chronicles his rise from a struggling prospector to a powerful tycoon in the early 20th century. Plainview’s pursuit of wealth brings him into conflict with Eli Sunday, a fervent preacher whose church holds sway in the community. The film explores themes of ambition, morality, and isolation, culminating in a chilling and violent conclusion. With Day-Lewis’s Oscar-winning performance and its hauntingly beautiful cinematography, There Will Be Blood is a masterful exploration of human nature and the destructive power of greed.

Best Dialogues and Quotes from There Will Be Blood (2007)

“I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!”

This quote is a metaphor for the ruthless nature of business and capitalism. It demonstrates how one can exploit resources and opportunities at the expense of others, emphasizing greed and competitive drive.

“I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed.”

Reflecting the destructive nature of envy and competition, this quote highlights how an intense drive for success can lead to isolation and a lack of empathy, posing a warning about unchecked ambition.

“There’s a whole ocean of oil under our feet. No one can get at it except for me!”

This line underscores themes of control and possession, illustrating the protagonist’s belief in his own singular ability to access wealth and power, revealing a mindset of scarcity and dominance.

“I see the worst in people.”

This reveals a cynical worldview where mistrust and skepticism prevail. It suggests that focusing on the negative aspects of humanity can lead to a life filled with bitterness and alienation.

“I want to earn enough money so I can get away from everyone.”

This quote highlights the paradox of wealth: the desire for financial success can often lead to isolation rather than fulfillment. It questions the true value of material wealth in achieving happiness.

“Stop crying, you sniveling ass! Stop your nonsense.”

This harsh reprimand reflects the film’s theme of emotional repression and the harshness of the protagonist’s character, emphasizing a philosophy that values stoicism over vulnerability.

“I’m an oil man.”

This simple declaration encapsulates the protagonist’s identity and purpose, illustrating how one’s profession can become synonymous with personal identity, sometimes at the cost of other values.

“One night, I’m gonna come to you, inside of your house, wherever you’re sleeping, and I’m gonna cut your throat.”

This violent threat highlights the extreme lengths to which the protagonist will go to eliminate threats and competition, serving as a metaphor for hostility in business and personal relationships.

“I look at people and I see nothing worth liking.”

This quote reflects a worldview lacking in compassion and connection, suggesting that when we focus on the flaws in others, we miss out on the potential for meaningful relationships and community.

“What’s this? Why don’t I own this?”

This question conveys a sense of entitlement and insatiable greed, illustrating how the constant pursuit of ownership and control can lead to dissatisfaction and ethical compromise.

“That’s a very nice family. That’s a hell of a family.”

This seemingly benign compliment is layered with irony, highlighting the protagonist’s inability to genuinely connect with others or appreciate family values, emphasizing the emptiness of his pursuits.

“I’m finished.”

The finality of this statement signifies both the end of the protagonist’s journey and the emptiness of his achievements. It serves as a somber reflection on the ultimate cost of his ruthless ambition.

“There are times when I look at people and I see nothing worth liking.”

This repetition emphasizes a deep-rooted misanthropy and emotional detachment that define the protagonist’s interactions with the world, underscoring the isolation of such a perspective.

“I am the third revelation!”

This self-proclamation of divinity reflects the protagonist’s god complex and delusions of grandeur, showcasing how power can corrupt one’s perception of self and morality.

“This makes you my competitor.”

This statement reflects the protagonist’s view of relationships through the lens of competition, highlighting the destructive nature of seeing others solely as obstacles to personal success.

“Did you think your song and dance and your superstition would help you, Eli?”

This line challenges the efficacy of faith and ritual in the face of raw ambition and power, questioning the role of spirituality when confronted with materialism and pragmatism.

“Don’t be thick in front of me, Al. I need you to be thin.”

This metaphorical language suggests the importance of adaptability and insight in business dealings. It implies that inflexibility and ignorance are liabilities in the pursuit of success.

“I’m a false prophet and God is a superstition!”

This declaration reveals the protagonist’s rejection of faith and morality, emphasizing a philosophy rooted in nihilism and self-idolatry, where traditional values are dismissed in favor of personal gain.

“I’m your brother, from another mother.”

This phrase, though seemingly friendly, is steeped in deception, illustrating how familial ties can be manipulated for personal advantage, reflecting a utilitarian view of relationships.

“I am the one who controls the drilling, the production, the profits.”

This statement underscores the central theme of control and power, highlighting how the desire to dominate every aspect of one’s environment can lead to ethical blindness and isolation.

Interesting Facts about There Will Be Blood (2007)

Daniel Day-Lewis Stayed in Character

Daniel Day-Lewis, known for his method acting, remained in character as Daniel Plainview throughout the entire shoot. He even adopted the character’s accent and mannerisms off-camera.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inspiration

The movie was inspired by Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!” but only loosely follows the first few chapters. Anderson used the book as a springboard to explore themes of greed and ambition.

Unique Filming Location

The film was shot primarily in the West Texas town of Marfa, known for its vast landscapes and unique lighting, which were crucial in creating the film’s atmospheric visuals.

Real Oil Rig Used

To achieve authenticity, the production team constructed a fully functional oil rig, which allowed them to capture the realities of early 20th-century oil drilling.

Music by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood

Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead composed the film’s score. His music plays a critical role in setting the film’s intense and ominous tone.

Improvised Line Became Iconic

The famous line “I drink your milkshake!” was inspired by a real-life congressional testimony related to oil drainage and was improvised during filming.

Limited Dialogue in Early Scenes

The film’s first 15 minutes contain almost no dialogue, relying heavily on visuals and Greenwood’s score to convey the story’s early tension and development.

Paul Dano’s Expanded Role

Paul Dano was originally cast to play a smaller role but was recast as Paul and Eli Sunday after another actor left the project. This change required Dano to learn the new role in just a few days.

Historical Accuracy in Set Design

Set designers meticulously researched the era, ensuring that everything from the tools used to the clothing worn was historically accurate to the early 1900s.

Daniel Day-Lewis’s Preparation

To prepare for the role, Daniel Day-Lewis studied audio recordings of the 19th-century evangelist Henry Ward Beecher to perfect Plainview’s distinctive voice.