Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece has plenty to say about capitalism, American identity, competition, masculinity, friendship, fatherhood, energy politics, and also religion. While there are interesting things to talk about regarding the other topics the movie covers, its portrayal of religion is a fascinating one. The movie is elusive, hard to understand at the best of times, so there will be differing opinions on its perception of faith. My take is that it’s a largely negative one, at least as it relates to American religious tradition.
Essentially, There Will Be Blood casts American religion as primarily a weapon, often used by false prophets to advance their selfish enterprises, and to solidify power. Eli Sunday is the representative of this brand of faith, and Daniel Plainview, as his ultimate adversary, seeks to tear this faith down. Two key mirroring scenes occur between the two, one in the church in which Eli uses his power as a religious leader to humiliate Daniel, and at the end of the film where Daniel uses Eli’s faith against him to return the favor. It’s deeply cynical about the honest role of religion in America, when the true motivations of its adherents, particularly those in powerful positions, are stripped down to their core. It may not be as direct as some critical documentaries’ portrayals of religion and faith, but as far as cinematic depictions of religion go, it’s pretty damning.
Do you have any favorite movies that are critical of religious faith? Are there any you find unfairly hostile or go too far? Share your comments in the box below.
