“I'm an oil man, ladies and gentlemen. And as an oil man I hope that you'll forgive just good old-fashioned plain speaking. Now this work that we do is very much a family enterprise. I work side by side with my wonderful son H.W.”
Ruthless silver miner, turned oil prospector, Daniel Plainview moves to oil-rich California. Using his son to project a trustworthy, family-man image, Plainview cons local landowners into selling him their valuable properties for a pittance. However, local preacher Eli Sunday suspects Plainview’s motives and intentions, starting a slow-burning feud that threatens both their lives.
If Daniel Plainview represents the worst of America, then so too does Eli Sunday. The levers of power in capitalism and religion wield the same force to the same brutal ends. And Paul Thomas Anderson pits them against each other in what is widely regarded as one of the best films of the 21st century. Winner of two Oscars (Actor and Cinematography) and nominee of eight, There Will Be Blood is a rare modern epic and an unmasking of The Great American Myth. (ZACH WORTZMAN)
With guest Professor Jason Opal. A Professor of American History at McGill University, Opal specializes in integrating the social, cultural, and intellectual history surrounding nationalism, capitalism, and democracy in America.
ABOUT THE "DON'T BE SO POLITICAL" SERIES
Aristotle said that we humans are political animals. That our organizing ourselves into political and social structures are the very things that make us human. From these political and social entities have sprung cities, wonders of invention, social progress, and advancements beyond our ancestors’ most outlandish dreams. However, the story of humanity hasn’t been all sunshine, roses, and fairy tales. To put it lightly. Those stories that define us were once told orally, then through books, and now, they are also told through movies. This series will use a political lens, exploring the historical context and political messages within the films presented. Experts and special guests will be at each screening to delve into their field and expand the conversation into the political sphere.
Not every film in the series will be a ‘political film’. The series will cover all genres. Be it a comedy, romance, thriller, horror, action, musical, or sci-fi, every film is political and can be viewed and discussed as such. At Don’t Be So Political, we will do just that.