As a filmmaker and colorist who owns a post-production color grading suite, I’ve always been fascinated by the profound impact cinematography has on storytelling. The film There Will Be Blood, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, stands out to me as a masterclass in visual narration. Its cinematography not only enhances the narrative but also delves deep into themes of ambition, greed, and isolation. In this analysis, I will explore the various elements of the film’s cinematography, sharing my insights and perspectives.
About the Cinematographer
The haunting visuals of There Will Be Blood are a testament to the genius of Robert Elswit, the film’s director of photography. Having frequently collaborated with Paul Thomas Anderson, Elswit has a knack for blending naturalism with stylized aesthetics. His ability to evoke raw emotion while maintaining authenticity is unparalleled. Elswit’s mastery of light, shadow, and film language earned him an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for this film. His work profoundly influences how the story of greed, power, and spiritual decay unfolds on screen.
Inspiration for the Cinematography of There Will Be Blood
Elswit’s visual approach drew heavily from classic American epics and the landscape photography of the American West. He and Anderson were inspired by photographers like Edward Weston and painters like Andrew Wyeth, who captured stark and desolate landscapes mirroring their subjects’ internal struggles. The cinematography also echoes the work of directors like John Ford, especially in the expansive shots of barren plains and towering oil rigs that evoke grandeur and isolation.
Choosing to shoot on 35mm film was pivotal in achieving the textured and timeless quality of the visuals. This decision, combined with Elswit’s preference for natural lighting, grounded the film in realism, enhancing its emotional depth. Their collaboration resulted in a visual language that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in classic cinematic traditions.
Camera Movements Used in There Will Be Blood
The camera movements in the film are deliberate, serving the story rather than showcasing technical prowess. Anderson and Elswit use tracking shots, slow dollies, and steady handheld movements to mirror the characters’ psychological states.
One iconic scene is the oil rig fire, where the Steadicam follows Daniel Plainview, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, as he navigates the chaos. This immersive perspective pulls the viewer into his world, emphasizing both the beauty and destruction of the oil discovery. The lingering shots on the engulfing flames underscore Daniel’s insatiable ambition and foreshadow the costs of his success.
In contrast, confrontation scenes between Daniel and Eli Sunday, portrayed by Paul Dano, often utilize static cameras. This restraint heightens the tension, allowing the actors’ performances and blocking to take center stage, emphasizing their psychological tug-of-war.
Compositions in There Will Be Blood
Elswit’s compositions are meticulously crafted to reflect power dynamics and the characters’ inner turmoil. When Daniel asserts dominance, he’s often placed centrally or elevated within the frame, overshadowing those around him. Conversely, Eli is frequently framed to highlight his fragility and desperation, with low-angle shots emphasizing his vulnerability despite his attempts at control.
A striking visual motif is the use of vast negative space. The barren landscapes dominate the frame, isolating the characters and emphasizing their insignificance against nature’s overwhelming forces and their own greed. This compositional choice also mirrors Daniel’s emotional isolation as his ambition consumes him.
Lighting Style of There Will Be Blood
The film’s lighting is a study in contrasts, reflecting the moral ambiguities of the story. Elswit extensively uses natural light, giving scenes an earthy, organic feel that roots the characters in tangible reality. Daytime scenes feature harsh sunlight casting long shadows, symbolizing the weight of ambition and moral decay.
Night scenes often rely on firelight or oil lamps, creating a warm yet eerie glow. The oil rig fire sequence is particularly noteworthy, with flames casting flickering, chaotic light that mirrors Daniel’s volatile nature. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the drama, leaving parts of the frame in darkness to symbolize hidden motives and moral corruption.
Lensing and Blocking of There Will Be Blood
Elswit opted for anamorphic lenses to create a wide cinematic scope while maintaining a shallow depth of field. This choice emphasizes the expansiveness of the landscapes while keeping the focus on the characters’ emotional journeys. The subtle lens flares and distortions inherent in anamorphic lenses add a tactile quality to the visuals, enhancing the film’s period aesthetic.
Blocking plays a crucial role, with Anderson and Elswit using it to communicate relationships and power dynamics. In the pivotal baptism scene, Daniel kneels before Eli, reversing their usual power dynamic. However, the camera’s composition ensures Daniel remains the focal point, hinting at his ultimate dominance. This meticulous blocking, combined with precise camera placement, transforms simple interactions into layered visual storytelling.
Color Grading of There Will Be Blood
The film’s color grading is restrained yet impactful, dominated by earthy tones like browns, ochres, and muted greens. This naturalistic palette reinforces the historical setting and reflects the harshness of the environment.
Subtle shifts in grading emphasize mood and thematic elements. Scenes showcasing success and ambition are brighter and more vibrant, while moments of despair and conflict lean towards cooler, desaturated tones. The interplay between warm and cool hues mirrors the central conflict between greed and morality, enhancing the visual storytelling.
Technical Aspects of There Will Be Blood
From a technical standpoint, the film is a masterclass in filmmaking. Elswit and Anderson chose Panavision Panaflex cameras and Cooke lenses to ensure a consistent aesthetic. Shooting on 35mm film, rather than digital, was crucial for achieving the textured, period-appropriate look.
The sound design, led by Johnny Greenwood’s haunting score, complements the visuals perfectly. Greenwood’s use of dissonant strings and unconventional rhythms mirrors the tension and unpredictability of Daniel’s journey. The soundscape blends seamlessly with the visuals, creating an immersive experience that is as much auditory as it is visual.
Editing also plays a vital role in the film’s impact. Transitions between scenes are often abrupt, reflecting the unpredictability of Daniel’s rise and fall. Allowing certain moments to linger—like the extended shot of the burning oil rig—gives viewers time to absorb the emotional and thematic weight of the story.