There Will Be Blood Pt. 1

In the film There Will Be Blood  the actions of the characters reveal their ulterior motives . Bill Nichols describes ideology as “the lens through which individuals see and understand how they fit into the social world around them. Ideology allows individuals to frame specific actions within a more comprehensive framework.” Ideology facilitates he actions of a character, such as when confronted by a new and surprising scenario, they already have a vague idea of what their actions will be. This is especially evident in the film with the two most ideologically driven characters, Daniel and Eli. Daniel is a vey hard-headed and strong individual. He has a very clear way in which things are done, and seems like the type who will not change his mind easily. In the beginning of the film we see him struggling in a mine shaft. Despite having an accident and injuring himself, he continues and manages to climb out. Most other people would’ve given up, or waited for help. Daniel’s resolve was to keep trying, and to take advantage of the hard work he had put in. He had another setback when he struck oil for the first time. He lost one of the men and had to take care of a baby that was left behind. This was no problem to Daniel, and in fact used this to gain customers. He adopted the child as his son and called his enterprise “a family business.” He promised that new school would be built, and the community would benefit. This was what was important to him now, apart from the success, was also being seen as a family man. He made it clear in front of others, such as when he asked Mary if her dad still beat her, condemning this act, all the while her father was sitting right there. However, once H.W. was gone, Daniel’s competitive nature came back. When speaking to Henry he confesses that he wishes for no one else to succeed. This is made obvious when the other oil men come to buy out what he had been working on. He simply asks what he should do with himself, hinting that without work and the need to beat everyone else out he is lost. 

Eli is the other main character, who manipulates others around him to meet his own needs. “His” needs are those of the religion, devoting time there, expanding the congregation, and building a bigger church. When the building of the oil rig begins Eli right away asks that a road should be built, leading to the church. He then comes to pin crosses on the men who are working. Later he explains to Daniel his wish for the grand unveiling of the well. He asked him to introduce him as the son of the hills who has come to bless the well. His motive is to be seen and recognized, but also to bring a good name to the church. Daniel ignores his request, but Eli is later victorious when Daniel is forced to come to the church and be baptized by him. Both of their actions are always guided by what they seek themselves, and what their ultimate end-goal is.