Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I Drink Your Milkshake!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FnB7nQulBs&feature=PlayList&p=064B8B0F99580397&index=11

In what must be one of the most riveting and sickening scene in movie history, Daniel Day-Lewis delivers yet another masterful performance. In the movie, Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview an oil-man on a ruthless quest for wealth during Southern California's oil boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The build up to the final scene takes the viewer through how Daniel becomes corrupted and twisted by his desires.

The scene begins with the visit of Eli (leader of the Church of the Third Revelation) in his private bowling alley in the cellar of his mansion. In the movie, Daniel harbours a strong hatred for Eli because of how he has constantly blocked his path for power. Eli now heads a large church and works on the radio. Eli explains that the grandson of Mr. Bandy (who has died) wishes to launch a film career, and Eli offers to broker a deal for the oil still untapped on Bandy's land. It is revealed in the course of the conversation that Eli is in dire financial straits, and desperately needs the money. Finally, Daniel agrees to the deal, on the condition that Eli says "I am a false prophet and God is a superstition." After some hesitation, he does, and Daniel orders him to repeat it several times, until Eli is shouting. Daniel then informs him that all the oil on Bandy's land is gone, depleted through drainage. He mercilessly taunts Eli (I driiiink your milkshake!), and then begins to attack him, throwing bowling balls at him and chasing him around the lanes. Finally, he beats him to death with a bowling pin.

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