Greed, Power, and Isolation: The Tragic Downfall of Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood

The Rise of a Ruthless Oilman 

In There Will Be Blood, Daniel Plainview is portrayed as the embodiment of ruthless ambition. As a self-made oilman, Plainview’s character is driven by an insatiable desire for wealth and power. The central theme of the film revolves around his relentless pursuit of success at any cost, as he manipulates and outmaneuvers everyone in his path, from local landowners to his competitors.

However, as Plainview’s ambition grows, so does his emotional distance from others, leading to profound isolation. His desire for control and dominance eventually causes him to mistrust everyone around him, severing personal connections in favor of material gain. This article will explore how Plainview’s greed and mistrust fuel his rise to power but also lead to his eventual downfall, revealing the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition.

The Drive for Wealth and Power: Plainview’s Initial Success 

The early scenes of There Will Be Blood showcase Daniel Plainview’s relentless ambition and cunning nature. His rise to prominence begins with his discovery of oil in a remote location, symbolizing his dogged determination to build an empire from the ground up. One key moment illustrating his drive for success is when he manipulates local landowners into selling their land cheaply, particularly the Sunday family, promising them prosperity while intending to exploit their resources. This moment not only highlights his business acumen but also his willingness to deceive and destroy in pursuit of his goals.

Another pivotal moment is when Plainview expands his oil operations, disregarding the potential consequences for local communities and natural environments. His hunger for wealth blinds him to the human cost of his actions. These early decisions define Plainview as a character who will stop at nothing to achieve power, even if it means sacrificing relationships and integrity. As his empire grows, so does his emotional isolation, setting the stage for his eventual descent into bitterness and paranoia.

Betrayal and Mistrust: The Cost of Ambition 

As Daniel Plainview’s ambition leads to success, it also fosters a deep mistrust of those around him, particularly those closest to him. One of the most significant relationships affected by his paranoia is with his adopted son, H.W. When H.W. loses his hearing in an oil rig accident, instead of showing compassion, Plainview sends him away to a boarding school, viewing him as a hindrance to his business. This emotional rejection creates a rift between the two, symbolizing Plainview’s inability to balance his ambition with personal connections.

Another critical scene occurs when Henry, a man claiming to be Daniel’s long-lost brother, enters his life. Although Plainview initially welcomes him, his growing suspicion leads to a violent confrontation when he discovers that Henry is an imposter. This moment is a turning point, showcasing how Plainview’s fear of betrayal drives him to isolation, as he can no longer trust anyone. His mistrust becomes his undoing, alienating him from the few people who care about him. Ultimately, his ambition comes at the cost of his humanity, leaving him emotionally isolated and trapped by his own success.

The Rivalry with Eli Sunday: Greed vs. Faith 

One of the central dynamics in There Will Be Blood is the rivalry between Daniel Plainview and Eli Sunday, a young preacher whose faith-driven ambitions clash with Plainview’s relentless greed. From their first encounter, it becomes clear that both men are determined to control the land and people of Little Boston, albeit for different reasons. Eli seeks power through religion and influence over the local community, while Plainview’s ambitions are centered around wealth and dominance.

Their confrontations throughout the film serve as key moments where greed and faith collide. In the forced baptism scene, Eli humiliates Plainview, making him confess his sins and embrace faith in front of the congregation. This moment is a temporary victory for Eli, but it also foreshadows their ongoing struggle for control. Plainview’s anger and frustration are palpable, and his hatred for Eli deepens as he vows to retaliate.

The rivalry reaches its brutal climax in the final scene at the bowling alley, where Plainview violently asserts his dominance over Eli. The chilling “I am the Third Revelation” confrontation reveals Plainview’s obsession with defeating Eli, not just financially, but spiritually and morally. His ultimate victory in this moment symbolizes his deeper hunger for absolute control, a hunger that has consumed his every relationship and driven him to madness. Plainview’s need to crush Eli is not just about greed, but about his belief that he must dominate everything in his path to truly succeed.

The Final Descent: Isolation and Madness

By the film’s final act, Daniel Plainview has achieved immense wealth and power, yet his personal life is in ruins. Isolated in his mansion, he becomes increasingly disconnected from humanity, consumed by his obsession with power. This isolation is fully realized in the infamous “I drink your milkshake” scene, where Plainview confronts Eli Sunday one last time.

The “milkshake” speech is both bizarre and menacing, as Plainview uses it to taunt Eli, metaphorically illustrating his complete victory over the preacher and the land they once battled over. However, the scene also reflects Plainview’s mental unraveling, as he gleefully mocks Eli before murdering him in a fit of rage. This act of violence cements Plainview’s descent into madness, revealing that despite his wealth and success, he has lost all sense of morality and human connection.

The empty, cavernous bowling alley where the confrontation takes place mirrors Plainview’s inner void—he has isolated himself so completely that there is no one left to share in his success or challenge him. His greed has driven away his son, the one person who could have provided some semblance of love or connection. Now, Plainview is left alone, consumed by his desire for dominance, but utterly empty.

This final act of madness represents the culmination of Plainview’s journey from ambitious oilman to a man broken by his own insatiable thirst for power. His wealth and power have come at the cost of his humanity, leaving him as a tragic figure, a warning of what happens when ambition goes unchecked.

The Tragic End of Daniel Plainview 

In There Will Be Blood, Daniel Plainview’s rise to power is defined by ruthless ambition and greed. While his determination and cunning bring him great wealth, they also lead to his emotional and moral downfall. His inability to trust others and his obsession with control ultimately isolate him, leaving him broken and alone.

The film portrays Plainview as a tragic figure, whose quest for dominance consumes him, both mentally and emotionally. His rivalry with Eli Sunday and his eventual descent into madness reflect the destructive nature of unchecked ambition, highlighting the hollow victory that comes from achieving power at the expense of one’s humanity. There Will Be Blood remains a powerful exploration of greed, power, and the personal cost of relentless ambition, with Daniel Plainview serving as a cautionary tale for the dangers of a life driven solely by the desire to conquer.