Four stars (R)
Daniel Day-Lewis

Thunderous, yet intimate, Paul Thomas Anderson’s sweeping epic/character study about a prospector turned oilman at the turn of the 20th century is a dark, riveting look at ambition unchecked, with Daniel Day-Lewis channeling John Huston in grand fashion. Paul Dano plays a manipulative preacher who tries to control the oilman, with explosive results. The audacious orchestral score, by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, adds immeasurably to the atmosphere of the movie. You will never forget this strong, strange film. A must-see for the adventurous. 158 minutes. DVD INFO: In addition to the single-disc release, a two-disc collector’s edition is available that features a slide show of period photos, deleted scenes and a 1923 silent documentary about the California oil boom.