‘There Will Be Blood’: How Paul Thomas Anderson’s Epic Explores Oil, Power, and Conflict

Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 film, There Will Be Blood, remains a strikingly relevant exploration of the human cost of energy dominance and the corrosive influence of unchecked ambition. Released at a time of growing awareness regarding the motivations behind the Iraq War, the film dissects how the pursuit of oil transforms individuals and societies, revealing the dark underbelly of the American dream.

The Rise of Daniel Plainview and the Dark Heart of Capitalism

The film follows Daniel Plainview, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, as he rises from a silver miner to a powerful oilman in early 20th-century California. However, There Will Be Blood is far from a simple rags-to-riches narrative. It examines how the resource of oil changes power structures and fuels conflict. Plainview’s driving force isn’t merely wealth, but the desire to conquer and dominate his rivals, famously declaring, “I like to spot people bleed.” This sentiment underscores the film’s central theme: energy as a source of power and control.

Oil as a Catalyst for Conflict

Plainview clashes with religious leaders and ruthlessly eliminates competitors, ultimately becoming a titan of the oil industry. The film illustrates how oil becomes more than just a fuel source; it’s a catalyst for conflict. The story, whereas set in the American oil industry of the early 1900s, mirrors contemporary global energy politics. As tensions rise between the U.S. And Iran, and global financial markets react, the film serves as a stark reminder of how this essential resource shapes power structures and fuels conflict.

Masculinity, Family, and Exploitation

The film delves into these themes through the lens of masculine family dynamics. Paul Dano plays a dual role, first appearing as Paul Sunday, who directs Plainview to the Sunday family—people he sees as weak and easily manipulated. Dano’s subsequent portrayal of Eli Sunday, Paul’s twin brother, stands out as one of his finest performances. Plainview’s adoption of a child, not out of altruism but narcissism, further highlights the film’s exploration of exploitation and the lengths to which individuals will go for financial gain.

The Strait of Hormuz and Global Energy Dependence

The film’s themes resonate today, as the world remains heavily dependent on oil. The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage in the world energy market, sees approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass through it daily. This dependence creates instability, as evidenced by the immediate global economic reaction to tensions in the Middle East.

The Path to Energy Transition

While energy transition policies, such as the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, are gaining momentum, the global economy remains largely reliant on the oil supply chain. Breaking this dependence is not only an environmental imperative but similarly a crucial step towards reducing international political instability. The film suggests that a future powered by sources like the sun and wind, which are not tied to specific geographic regions, could lessen the potential for conflict.

A Cautionary Tale

There Will Be Blood offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive potential of the relentless pursuit of energy dominance. Whether the competition over oil will ultimately lead to destruction or pave the way for a more sustainable energy system remains to be seen.