Did You Like "There Will Be Blood?"

Posted by Sean Hood

Many screenwriting blogs are trashing "There Will Be Blood." One in particular can be found here. In it the author argues that because the film doesn't offer a likable main character who undergoes a traditional character arc, the film "fails completely."

This is what I wrote in response to the blog...

I agree that if you want to reach a wide audience, creating empathy for your main characters is a must. I agree that Anderson's screenplay breaks many of the rules and principles I use in my own work. I'd even agree that most of the audience got bored and frustrated with the film.

But I loved it. I loved every minute of it. I loved the visuals. I loved the acting. I loved the story.

Maybe most people will forget the film, but I won't. In fact, I'll bet more film historians write about it fifty years from now than they do "No Country for Old Men."

But challenging films like this one DO bore, frustrate, and annoy the audience. They do come off as cold and intellectual. So I understand the advice to steer clear of unlikeable characters and grim endings. It's advice that I myself have taken.

But, I can't help feeling grateful that a few strange and original filmmakers DON'T take that advice.

- Sean Hood

P.S. I also loved "The Thin Red Line." So maybe it's just me.

--
http://genrehacks.blogspot.com