Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s new multi-genre film, “One Battle After Another,” is very politically relevant to today’s society. It is a criticism of how the government has handled certain policies for decades. The name “One Battle After Another” not only focuses on today’s politics, but the constant fight of people for their rights.
This new thrilling movie provides an adrenaline rush while simultaneously being critical of officials’ abuse of power and highlighting the struggles of a divided America.
In an interview with Fandango, Leonardo DiCaprio said, “It’s definitely politically charged and it’s a reference to counterculture revolutionaries of the late ’60s, but what would happen if that was happening today combined with the next generation of young people and how they would react to our actions.”
The star-studded cast features actors DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro and Regina Hall.
The story begins at an immigration detention center in Otay-Mesa where Perfidia Beverly Hills (Taylor) and “ghetto” Pat Calhoun (DiCaprio) meet along with Deandra (Hall) and revolutionary group called the French 75 with the goal of freeing and rescuing the detainees from the facility.
THE FIGHTERS
The story develops into the life of Pat under a new alias, Bob Ferguson, now an ex-member of the French 75, and his daughter Willa Ferguson (Infiniti), who have lived under the radar for 16 years when Bob’s opponent, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Penn), shows up and Willa disappears. Benicio del Toro plays Sergio St. Carlos, a sensei who runs a karate school in the fictional city Baktan Cross.
DiCaprios performance as Pat in the first half was more serious and grounded versus later the comically amusing and heartwarming Bob. Throughout the film, DiCaprio’s enthusiastic use of Spanish with a heavy accent brought a smile to my face. His character was interesting because he reflects the reality that people change in life. His character proved what once we were passionate about can change. However, just like his character, your passion could be reactivated at any time even if it’s years later.
Infiniti’s performance for her first feature film was outstanding. She did an amazing job playing Willa, she perfectly knew how to come across as audacious and stay strong despite her situation. Infiniti’s character shows that one can have grit and determination, even when unexpected events occur in life and that we can and will persevere when obstacles are thrown.
Taylor’s work as Perfidia on this film was both very bold and layered. Her commitment to running across city blocks in character deserves acknowledgement and praise. Perfidia, like her daughter, had a lot of determination. She depicts one extreme side in contrast to Col. Lockjaw. She believes that change can only be achieved through violence -in her eyes there’s no other option.
THE PROTECTORS
Del Toro’s performance had depth and was layered and slightly comedic like DiCaprios, but vastly different in his individual story. His story was the second most inspiring after Willa in this movie. His character had a heartwarming but very sharp attitude, he remained calm and confident during the most stressful moments. The values St. Carlos had toward his community and family showcases that we can’t do things completely alone sometimes.
My only small complaint about this film is that I would have liked to see Hall’s character Deandra have more of a background in the story than what was there. There was plenty of room to have her story go deeper. She was essential to the story, it felt as if they cut some of her scenes and left her underdeveloped. However, Hall has proven her range and talent in acting in this movie. I enjoyed seeing her in a variety of genres and showcasing her talent in every role.
THE SUPREMACIST
All the actors were exceptional at embodying their respective characters, but the one that stole the show for me with his acting was Penn. His execution as Lockjaw was highly convincing and his interpretation of the character was excellent. He embodied someone who’s a racist, narcissist obsessed with having a position of power. His walk was like a broken robot straight out of The Terminator, he had the facial movements of someone who has lost their sanity and reason. His acting was one of the most memorable things about this film. I think it certainly will have him considered for a nomination at the Academy Awards for his performance.
It was obvious from the start that some people would not be happy with the way this movie clearly touches politically relevant topics-accusing it of being woke propaganda or claim that it was ruined by politics.
Although in my opinion most forms of art are inherently political whether directly or indirectly.
The Hollywood Reporter’s headline on the matter says, “While Paul Thomas Anderson’s film is being heralded as a masterpiece by many, some conservatives accuse it of it potentially inspiring left-wing violence.” One title from a conservative YouTube movie reviewer called the film “Woke trash that deserved to flop.”
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND SCORE
Despite the run time of 2 hours, 41 minutes, I never felt that the plot dragged on. It felt more like two hours. The films story, score and seamless pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, during the moments of prolonged dialogue never felt boring. It keeps you entertained as the plot develops, as things are revealed. There was never a moment when the audience in my screening didn’t have audible gasps and laughter. Every moment felt essential to the plot, including the scenes that were a pure cinematography masterpiece with no dialogue.
Radiohead member Johnny Greenwood composed a score that is a perfect balance of calculated chaos and audible beauty. Capturing in music how human emotions can be complicated and varied while feeling consistent and impactful. Greenwood’s score mixed very well with the visual aspects of the film. Besides the main score, the needle drops that the film contains were surprising and intentionally chosen. In both Dolby Cinema and IMAX, Greenwood’s score along with Bauman’s cinematography, Anderson’s directing and the cast’s acting made me feel literal chills at times.
Anderson’s decision to shoot on 35mm VistaVision filmed-which was historically used for “The Ten Commandments” (1956), “North by Northwest” (1959) and “One-Eyed Jacks” -(1961) added to my enjoyment of the film on top of the plot and acting because of how beautiful the colors appeared across the silver screen felt satisfying. I enjoyed that this screening of IMAX 70mm felt like I was watching a movie from the 1970s or 1980s even though it is mostly set in 2025. The very faint noise of the projector whirring in silent scenes and the subtle flickering on the screen. I thought at times that seeing it in an analog format had a more real feel to it compared to when I previously attended a Dolby Cinema screening.
In some moments Anderson and cinematographer Micheal Bauman’s use of framing and leading lines was carefully thought out, every shot had a clear intention behind it. I loved certain slow zoom scenes, the medium and ultra-wide shots they used to capture dialogue or scenes that established a setting. There was an excellent aerial tracking shot I specifically enjoyed that conveyed the characters feeling of being watched and targeted by a hawk. The color of purplish-blue dusk skies, the use of a warm yellow with indoor lights and outdoor lights the color of orangeade with some cerulean added a serious tone to every scene that described the moment and context the scene was taking place.
AN ANDERSON WIN
This is Anderson’s 10th feature film after his most recent “Licorice Pizza” (2021) and he is mostly known for his earlier films “Boogie Nights” (1997), “Magnolia” (1999) and “There Will Be Blood” (2007).
“One Battle After Another” is now my new favorite Paul Thomas Anderson film overtaking my previous No. 1 “There Will Be Blood.” I think directing wise it is different compared to his earlier works from the 1990s like “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia.” It is more of similar style to “Inherent Vice” (2014), which is also from novelist Thomas Pynchon’s book of the same name. The difference is “One Battle After Another” is only inspired by Pynchon’s “Vineland” and not an adaptation.
This movie comes at a time when very tense politics are around 24/7 on social media and news. If you do not mind that Anderson’s film is obviously political, it is an entertaining movie to watch and reflect on post viewing. It is the kind of movie that will have you analyzing and discussing it weeks later.
