The Jocks Movie Review of There Will Be Blood
Junk: 01.27.08 
Culture, Observations
The other night I saw the movie There Will Be Blood with a bunch of guys. The response to the movie was almost more enjoyable then the movie itself. You see the group that I frequent with is a mix of jocks & non-jocks (or should I say those who choose to grow up leave playing competitive sports, the mindset of a sports player, and identifying with professional players behind along with their youth). These who live in the past, identify with childish things, and limit cognitive thought to: “Blue forty-two, hut, hut, hut, hike” have little to no appreciation for art. As a result the typical childish evaluation of art commences after watching such a movie as There Will Be Blood. Tirades, in the like of: “That was the worst movie ever”, “I wish I had the last three hours of my life back”, and “Auuuuggggggh”; along with storming out of the theater (as if to communicate utter disgust) were typical of this group of self-identifying jocks. The brilliance of the movie, to me, is that these “authorities” on art were somehow compelled to stay in their seats until the conclusion of the film. I heard a few flimsy excuses for this, but most revolved around, “The music made it seem like something was going to happen” or “I kept expecting something bad to happen.”… ummmm, childish jockery at best.
By the way you’re all invited to watch the superbowl on my big ten foot projection screen in HD surround sound at my house… bring some snacks. I’m really hoping Bret Farve can pull this thing off.
8 comments ↓
yeah! the shootout with Brett v. Tony Romo this Saturday is going to be amazing! Can’t wait!
Great point about the movie. I might say I would have been “happier” if a movie turned out different, but I too judge how good a story is if it causes strong response and engages the emotions. That means I was drawn into the story.
i’ve heard mixed reviews on the film…
other then jock disdain,
what is your ratings of it personally?
just curious.
Tessa, Well first I will say that it is a character study and not plot driven. If you like writers like Dickens you will probably like this movie. It is an artistic look at two complex characters, but I think is very well done. The music at times is strange but somehow seems to fit the strangeness of the movie. I would see it again. If you go watch it keep asking, “why the main characters would do what they are doing?” and be thinking of the answers… I think you will enjoy it more this way then trying to follow a “story” per say.
i think jim & i will see it.
thanks kerrin.
Tess, yea!
Jim’s a “non-jock”… you should enjoy it.
From what I understand of the argument, I’m not sure I would classify the person with whom you disagreed as a “jock.” (If I heard the story right.)
And of course, I’d like to see the movie.
Kelley, He, of which you mention, bought into the mindset of a jock… no I don’t think he is a jock he only likes to identify in his mind with them.
Go see it you’ll like it!
Daniel-Day Lewis’ performance takes well to the overbearing, violent father-figure role — he also did this in Gangs of New York.
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