Director : Paul Thomas Anderson
Cinematographer : Michael Bauman
Genre : Drama
Country : USA
Duration : 162 Minutes
🔸One Battle After Another slowly reveals its story without ever laying everything out clearly. The film follows a man who has spent much of his life involved in political and ideological conflict, only to find himself facing the same forces again in a different form. There is a sense that history is looping rather than moving forward. Paul Thomas Anderson gives only hints about the past and lets the present carry the weight. The film strongly criticizes modern fascist thinking, not through speeches, but through actions, manipulation, and the way power quietly reshapes people. The message feels direct because it feels lived in, not theoretical.
🔸The cinematography is controlled and thoughtful, often choosing simplicity over spectacle. Many scenes are allowed to play out in long takes, making conversations feel tense and real. The camera often stays close to the characters, watching their faces as they hesitate, react, or hide emotion. The score by Jonny Greenwood works gently in the background, creating unease rather than drama. Music appears when needed and disappears when silence says more. There are also small moments of humor scattered throughout the film. These moments feel natural and dry, offering brief relief without weakening the seriousness of the story.
🔸The performances give the film its emotional depth. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a man who understands conflict too well and is clearly tired of it. His performance is quiet and internal, built on restraint rather than intensity. Sean Penn brings a harder edge, playing a character driven by belief and anger, someone who feels dangerous without being loud. Their scenes together are tense and layered, suggesting long histories and unresolved damage. One Battle After Another is a demanding film, but also a rewarding one, offering a sharp look at power, resistance, and how battles never truly end.
Verdict : Very Good
DC Rating : 4.25/5
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