Film Studies

Cinema Classics Seminar:
There Will Be Blood

Parents and Children
Saturday, May 30, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm  
Instructor: Paul Wright, Ph.D., Main Line Classical Academy

Since Max Weber’s essential book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1905), many historians have written about how capitalism has, over time, adopted the character and charismatic power of religion. Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood (2007), now acknowledged by many critics as one of the finest films of the 21st century, explores the relationship between capitalism and Christianity as a proxy war over the stewardship of modernity itself.  

The film features a once-in-a-generation performance by Daniel Day-Lewis as oilman Daniel Plainview and a compelling turn by Paul Dano as his rival, preacher Eli Sunday. As they battle for the soul of a newly oil-rich community—and by extension, the soul of America—their bitter ideological competition intensifies, and we see in the process the potentially religious nature of capitalism’s claims on our attention and our allegiance.  

Very loosely adapted from Upton Sinclair’s 1927 novel Oil!, There Will Be Blood is at once a three-dimensional character study and an evocative allegory. The film’s title itself draws from the biblical book of Exodus and the story of the plagues visited upon the land of Egypt. In this remarkable film that always rewards repeat viewing, Anderson evokes and expands upon the most haunting work of John Huston, Stanley Kubrick, and other cinematic forebears.   

Are you interested in “just” seeing this movie? Visit the public screening page here.

Cinema Classics Seminars offer an entertaining and engaging way to learn more about some of the true classics of world cinema. All students receive an introductory lecture before the film and a guided discussion after the film. In addition, those in attendance receive a ticket to see it on the big screen, as well as popcorn and a drink. Please note: the screening associated with this seminar will be open to the public, as well.

Please contact BMFI Programs and Education Manager Jill Malcolm with any questions.