“There Will Be Blood,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is a 2007 American epic period drama . The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman, and Paul Dano as Eli Sunday, a charismatic preacher. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the movie explores themes of ambition, religion, and the corrosive effects of greed .
Symbolism
Movie Scene Example The opening scene of oil discovery Oil symbolizes wealth, power, and corruption Daniel’s final confrontation with Eli The bowling alley symbolizes the ultimate emptiness of greed
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Example H.W.’s early hearing loss Foreshadows his estrangement from Daniel The abandoned well in the opening sequence Foreshadows the eventual downfall of Daniel
Irony
Movie Scene Example Eli’s demand for money from Daniel Irony of the preacher being greedyDaniel’s “I drink your milkshake” speech The irony of a simple phrase capturing deep betrayal
Metaphor
Movie Scene Example Daniel referring to oil as his “child” Oil as a metaphor for Daniel’s life’s obsession The church scenes Religion as a metaphor for manipulation and power
Imagery
Movie Scene Example The vast, barren landscapes Imagery of isolation and desolationThe fiery oil well explosion Imagery of hell and destruction
Motif
Movie Scene Example Recurrent scenes of drilling Motif of exploitationRepeated religious ceremonies Motif of hypocrisy
Allegory
Movie Scene Example Daniel’s rise to power Allegory for capitalist greed Eli’s manipulation of his followers Allegory for religious exploitation
Allusion
Movie Scene Example References to the Bible in Eli’s sermons Allusions to biblical themes of sin and redemption Daniel’s name Allusion to the biblical Daniel, symbolizing conflict
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Example Daniel’s baptism scene Juxtaposition of spiritual salvation and personal ambitionH.W.’s innocence vs. Daniel’s ruthlessness Juxtaposition highlighting moral decay
Tone
Movie Scene Example Opening scene without dialogue Establishes a tone of foreboding and tension Daniel’s confrontations with Eli Tone of hostility and menace
Daniel Plainview
Device Explanation Symbolism Daniel’s obsession with oil symbolizes his lust for power and control Irony Despite his wealth, Daniel’s life is empty and isolated Foreshadowing Early scenes hint at Daniel’s ultimate moral and emotional downfall
Eli Sunday
Device Explanation Metaphor Eli represents the corrupting influence of false piety Allegory Eli’s character serves as an allegory for religious manipulation Juxtaposition Eli’s religious fervor contrasts with his underlying greed
Character Dynamics
Device Explanation Juxtaposition The contrasting personalities of Daniel and Eli drive the narrative Irony Both Daniel and Eli seek power, though through different means Symbolism Their relationship symbolizes the conflict between capitalism and religion
Ambition and Greed
Religion vs. Capitalism
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrast between Daniel’s business ruthlessness and Eli’s religious zealMetaphor The church services as metaphors for the exploitation inherent in both capitalism and religion
Isolation
Device Explanation Imagery Daniel’s isolated mansion reflects his emotional isolation Foreshadowing H.W.’s early isolation hints at his future separation from Daniel
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Cinematography Wide shots of oil rigs highlight the symbol of industrialization Irony Sound Design Ominous music during seemingly peaceful scenes creates dramatic irony Imagery Visual Effects The vivid depiction of the oil fire visually represents hell and chaos Foreshadowing Editing Early quick cuts to H.W. losing his hearing foreshadow future events Tone Lighting Dark, shadowy lighting in key scenes establishes a sinister tone
Scene 1: The Oil Discovery
Watch on YouTube Breakdown : This scene uses imagery and symbolism to introduce oil as a central symbol of wealth and corruption. The barren landscape highlights the desolation and foreshadows the moral decay of the characters.
Scene 2: The Baptism
Watch on YouTube Breakdown : This scene juxtaposes religious piety with personal ambition. The irony of Daniel’s forced baptism and his mocking tone towards Eli underscore the theme of false piety.
Scene 3: Final Confrontation
Watch on YouTube Breakdown : The final confrontation between Daniel and Eli in the bowling alley uses symbolism and tone to highlight the ultimate emptiness and destructiveness of their pursuits. The stark, empty setting symbolizes the void of their achievements.
Interactive Quiz
What does oil symbolize in the film?
A) Wealth and prosperity
B) Corruption and greed
C) Purity and cleanliness
D) Religious faith
Which literary device is prominently used in the baptism scene?
What is the significance of the barren landscapes?
A) They represent the untouched potential of the land
B) They symbolize isolation and desolation
C) They highlight the beauty of nature
D) They serve as a backdrop for industrial progress
How does the film use sound design to create dramatic irony ?
A) By using cheerful music during tense scenes
B) By having no music at all
C) By using ominous music during seemingly peaceful scenes
D) By using loud, jarring sounds randomly
What theme does the relationship between Daniel and Eli highlight?
A) Love and friendship
B) Religion vs. capitalism
C) Family loyalty
D) Adventure and exploration
Answers:
B
B
B
C
B
