Ranking Paul Thomas Anderson's Films (Worst to Best)
On this journey through directors who are commonly seen as AUTEURS I've come to Paul Thomas Anderson! A director I accidentally realized I really like. Here is what I think of his seven films to date. It should be noted that, unlike the Darren Aronofsky post, these are all films I like. I just like some way more than others.
Film/Rank:
#7- Inherent Vice (2014)
Reason Why:
I'll cop to letting the trailer pull the wool over my eyes. I thought I was going to get a way more fun movie than I what I actually got. I'm sure fans of the book appreciated how the book was translated to film, but, I was put off at how intentionally disorienting the film was. At one point in the film it becomes clear that the whole thing we were hoping the hero would accomplish doesn't even matter and we shift focus to the Owen Wilson character. This could be my fault for not reading the book, but I HATE reading the book first. At least Benicio killed his scenes!
Film/Rank:
#6- Hard Eight (1996)
Reason Why:
This movie also goes by Sydney... so that's pretty cool. I have to say that I watched this movie only after the talented Ian Rayburn insisted I watched it. It didn't really stick with me even though I did enjoy it for the most part while I watched it. The one element that ultimately holds this film back for me is the pacing. To be fair this is PTA's first feature film.
Film/Rank:
#5- The Master (2012)
Reason Why:
This movie looks so great and has some amazing performances. It's a shame that I don't rank it higher. The reason is because I feel like I didn't get it. That's my bad, there is enough in the film for me to figure stuff out, I just haven't come back to it. However, that no blink interrogation scene between Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman is all sorts of dope and is worth the price of admission alone!
Film/Rank:
#4- Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Reason Why:
While I thought this was a great example of Adam Sandler acting in a serious movie with funny moments. If you listen to PTA on the Marc Maron podcast, though, it turns out we were just watching a Paul Thomas Anderson interpretation of an Adam Sandler comedy. I mean if you think about it, that is the perfect description of this surprisingly touching film.
Film/Rank:
#3- Magnolia (1999)
Reason Why:
I first heard about this movie because Kevin Smith didn't like it or something? Either way remember when the fourth best Batman explained the internet to Jay & Silent Bob? That's when Magnolia got on my radar. I guess I was set up to not like this film, but I dug it hard! I genuinely love movies that show ostensibly disparate characters' lives intersecting in cool ways. Plus I think every one is putting in dope performances, including Tom Cruise.
Film/Rank:
#2- Boogie Nights (1997)
Reason Why:
I did see this movie before Ian told me to watch it, but we also did an episode of LDF Podcast about this film that you can listen to here for a deeper dive into this film. The point is that there are high highs and some pretty low lows in this film plus it has a great ensemble cast being directed by one of the best so it's hard to find something not to like about this film.
Film/Rank:
#1- There Will Be Blood (2007)
Reason Why:
Aside from Daniel Plainview being one of the most fun characters to impersonate, this movie looks amazing and features a great feud at the center of it. Daniel vs. Eli is great, plus the tension between Daniel and his son. Just a great character study of a villain. Plus, how could you not love that title?
-YG