Special Guest: Kevin Mattson & C.J. WallisWe drink your milkshake and talk about PT Anderson's modern classic, There Will Be Blood.
Our special guests, Kevin Mattson, is the author of Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century and C.J. Wallis curates "Cigarettes and Red Vines: The Definitive Paul Thomas Anderson Resource" website.
We're joined by Jeff Meyers, film reviewer for the Detroit's Metro Times, editor of ConcentrateMedia.com and MetroModeMedia.com. Jeff's publications have featured The Projection Booth and Rob St. Mary.
Listen/Download Now:
Links:
Poster art by Jeferson Barbosa
Buy Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century by Kevin Mattson
Visit Kevin Mattson's website
Buy Oil! by Upton Sinclair
Buy There Will Be Blood on DVD
Visit Cigarettes and Red Vines, the definitive Paul Thomas Anderson Resource
Visit C.J. Wallis's film production company
Read Jeff Meyers's reviews for the Detroit Metro Times
Read Jeff Meyers's review of "There Will Be Blood"
Listen to Upton Sinclair and the Modern Media Campaign
Listen to How the Sausage was Made
Watch:
Even though I try to listen to every episode when it's new and fresh, I had to hold off on this one for a while due to a lack of free-time, and the length of the actual episode. That said; now that I have finally listened to the whole thing; I have to agree with Mike on this one. Yes, I do think that There Will Be Blood is a wonderful piece of filmmaking, and it is centered with an incredible performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. But, the movie failed to connect with me on a personal level. This is an honest appraisal as I see it, not exactly a negative criticism because I am uncertain as to what it was that Anderson was hoping to convey.
ReplyDeleteEpic? Yes. Brilliant? Yes. But, emotionally hollow? For me, yes.
Do not get me wrong, I admire the film, I think it's hard to criticize it in a negative way, and it is certainly an excellently made piece of art. But, it is a hard film to like, and a difficult movie to connect with on an emotional level.
Initially I wasn't inclined to listen to this episode, but I'm really glad I did.
ReplyDeleteTWBB is the first film I ever encountered where not only did it not resonate with me, I didn't understand why it was considered a masterpiece. Most reviews & user comments were of the "If you don't think this is a Masterpiece, go back to watching Michael Bay movies" variety.
Listening to this episode, Rob & Jeff do a great job articulating WHY it's considered a masterpiece. I'm still not a fan of the film, but I'm glad I finally understand why others are.
I don’t understand Mike’s complaints about Boogie Nights being derivative of Scorsese. I agree that it is Goodfellas+Raging Bull. However, Mike is ok with Body Double being Rear Window+Vertigo for some reason.
ReplyDeleteDePalma does his copying with style. PTA is just a hack, IMO.
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