Ruthless silver miner, turned oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, moves to oil-rich California. Using his son to project a trustworthy, family-man image, Plainview cons local landowners into selling him their valuable properties for a pittance. However, local preacher Eli Sunday suspects Plainview's motives and intentions, starting a slow-burning feud that threatens both their lives.
"There Will Be Blood" tells the story of Daniel Plainview, a determined oilman in early 20th-century America. The movie follows his journey from a silver miner to a wealthy oil tycoon, showing how he builds his empire through hard work, cunning deals, and sometimes ruthless actions. By watching this film, you can learn vocabulary related to business, oil drilling ("derrick," "pipeline," "lease"), and family relationships. You'll also hear how people spoke in a more formal style of English common in that era. The film explores themes of ambition, greed, family, and religion. You'll see a range of emotions portrayed, from determination and joy to anger and betrayal. The language used is a mix of formal and informal English, with some characters speaking in plain, direct language, while others use more complex sentences and religious vocabulary. This variety of language will expose you to different styles of speaking and help you understand how tone and context influence communication. Pay attention to the powerful speeches and dialogues to improve your comprehension of spoken English. This movie can be useful for English learners for several reasons. First, the clear pronunciation and deliberate pacing of the dialogue make it easier to follow than fast-paced modern films. Second, the rich vocabulary and complex themes provide opportunities to expand your understanding of English beyond everyday conversation. Finally, the historical setting offers a glimpse into American culture and the evolution of the English language. While some words and phrases might be old-fashioned, understanding them can deepen your appreciation of the language's history and richness.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in There Will Be Blood:
