Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' Lauded as Furious, Politically Charged American Epic

‘One Battle After Another’ Review: A Timely and Thrilling Counterculture Caper from Paul Thomas Anderson

Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, ‘One Battle After Another,’ loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, is a bracingly timely and thrilling action thriller. The film explores themes of counterculture, counter-revolution, and father-daughter dysfunction in a contemporary American setting, marked by social and political upheaval. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor.

A Reflection of American Radicalism and Fascist Creep

The film delves into the ebb and flow of radicalism in America, showcasing bursts of activity followed by periods of disillusionment and dangerous fallout. Anderson contemporizes the timeline, placing the story in a recognizable era of creeping fascism and highlighting an underground effort to resist it. The film confronts the here and now with a noble purpose, showcasing a vision that is both frightening and galvanizing.

Characters and Performances

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Bob Ferguson, an explosives expert working with a revolutionary group. Teyana Taylor portrays Perfidia Beverly Hills, the group's passionate leader. Sean Penn plays Col. Steven Lockjaw, a reactionary figure whose twisted desires set off a chain of events. Chase Infiniti plays Willa, Bob's daughter, and Benicio del Toro makes an appearance as a helpful business owner.

Themes of Dissent and Discontent

‘One Battle After Another’ is a serious yet unserious film, both exciting and baffling, presenting an unending culture war through an extreme action movie lens. It explores themes of dissent, discontent, and the lonely heroism of not fitting in. The film raises questions about the American melting-pot dream and the ownership dispute surrounding it.

Steven Spielberg's Praise

Steven Spielberg lauded ‘One Battle After Another’ as an "insane movie," praising its action, relevance, and bizarre concoction of elements. He compared it to Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove, noting its absurdist comedy and reflection of current events. Spielberg also commended Sean Penn's performance as his favorite of Penn's career.

Technical Aspects and Production

The film features a jolting score by Jonny Greenwood and is shot in VistaVision, a format praised by Anderson and Spielberg for its organic film grain and living, breathing quality. Anderson highlighted the challenges and rewards of working with VistaVision cameras, emphasizing the importance of the crew's expertise, especially the camera operator Colin Anderson.

A Furious and Provocative Film

‘One Battle After Another’ is a furious and persuasive polemic that speaks directly to its audience. Anderson expresses his horror and fear regarding the current American moment and offers a glimpse of a possible future, one worth struggling towards. The film is a bleak, tough, and grimly sardonic reflection of the present day.

Ultimately, ‘One Battle After Another’ insists that despite the losses and challenges, a future worth striving for remains possible, inch by agonizing inch. The film's title can be interpreted as both an exhausted lament and a rallying cry.