The Aftermath of Daniel Plainview's Murder of Eli in There Will Be Blood: A Societal and Psychological Analysis

The Climactic Confrontation

The film There Will Be Blood culminates in a climactic confrontation between Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Eli Sunday (Paul Dano). In a pivotal scene, Plainview kills Eli, a preacher and his former business partner. This act serves as a powerful and symbolic moment in the film, revealing the depths of Plainview's character and the themes central to the narrative.

Isolation and Guilt

The aftermath of Plainview's violent act can be interpreted through various lenses. One such perspective is the increase in his isolation and feelings of guilt. Throughout the film, Plainview is depicted as a deeply flawed and lonely figure. By killing Eli, who embodies both a personal rival and a religious figure, Plainview only amplifies his sense of guilt and alienation. This act may continue to haunt him, further distancing him from any potential connections with others.

Moral Decline

Killing Eli signifies Daniel's complete moral degradation. It marks his transformation from a complex character to a ruthless businessman consumed by greed and power. This act could serve as a turning point that solidifies his descent into a figure where violence becomes an acceptable means to an end, reflecting the moral corruption that is a central theme of the film.

Legacy of Violence

The actions of Daniel can be seen as a commentary on the destructive nature of ambition and capitalism. By killing Eli, he not only eliminates a rival but also perpetuates a cycle of violence that can be seen as emblematic of ruthless practices in the oil industry and American capitalism during that era. This violence serves as a critique of the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the harsh realities of the early American oil boom.

Finality of Control

In the context of the film, killing Eli may represent Daniel's ultimate assertion of control over his life and the world around him. By eliminating any opposition, he secures his dominance, but this comes at the cost of his humanity and relationships. This theme of control versus empathy is central to the narrative, highlighting the emptiness of material success without personal connections.

Symbolic Death of Religion

Eli, as a preacher, represents organized religion and moral authority. Daniel's act of killing him can symbolize the triumph of materialism over spirituality. In the pursuit of wealth, moral and ethical considerations are completely disregarded, suggesting a broader critique of the prioritization of material gain over spiritual and moral values.

The film ends ambiguously, leaving viewers to ponder the future of Daniel Plainview. Even though he is wealthy, he is left alone. The implications of his actions suggest that while he may have achieved material success, he is spiritually and emotionally bankrupt. The film invites reflection on the consequences of unchecked desire and the emptiness that can accompany it.

In conclusion, the aftermath of Eli's death encapsulates the film's themes of ambition, morality, and the human cost of success. It prompts audiences to consider the duality of human nature and the potential for destructive forces to emerge from unchecked ambition and greed.