Alissa Wilkinson Analyzes How Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 Film Explores American Ideals

Alissa Wilkinson, film critic for The New York Times, examines how Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 film There Will Be Blood deconstructs and reflects core American values, according to her recent analysis. The film, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis as oilman Daniel Plainview, has been widely studied for its commentary on capitalism, individualism, and the American Dream.

What is the central theme of Anderson’s 2007 film?

There Will Be Blood, released in 2007, is often interpreted as a critique of unchecked capitalism and the pursuit of wealth. Wilkinson notes that the film’s protagonist, Daniel Plainview, embodies the “ruthless ambition” associated with American industrial expansion. According to the film’s director, Paul Thomas Anderson, the story was inspired by the life of oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny, as reported by The Guardian. The narrative follows Plainview’s rise from a solitary prospector to a powerful businessman, highlighting the moral compromises inherent in his success.

How does Wilkinson analyze American ideals in the film?

Wilkinson’s critique emphasizes the film’s exploration of paradoxes in American identity. She points to scenes where Plainview’s philosophy—“I’m not in the oil business. I’m in the people business”—reflects the tension between self-interest and societal contribution. “Anderson uses Plainview to question whether the American Dream is about progress or exploitation,” Wilkinson writes in her New York Times piece. The film’s climax, where Plainview’s greed leads to isolation, underscores this theme, according to film scholars at the University of Southern California.

What critical reception has the film received?

There Will Be Blood received universal acclaim upon release. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis, and was nominated for eight others. Critics praised its visual style and performances, with Rolling Stone calling it “a masterwork of modern cinema.” Wilkinson’s analysis aligns with broader academic discussions about the film’s relevance to contemporary debates over wealth inequality and corporate power, as noted in a 2022 Los Angeles Review of Books essay.

Why does the film remain culturally significant today?

The film’s themes resonate in current political and economic discourse. Its portrayal of corporate greed and individualism mirrors modern concerns about wealth disparity and environmental exploitation. “Anderson’s work feels eerily prescient,” says film historian David Bordwell, citing the film’s relevance to 21st-century capitalism. Wilkinson argues that the film’s legacy lies in its ability to provoke reflection on the values that shape American society.