There are prestige gigs in the acting game, and being part of a Paul Thomas Anderson film must rate high on that list. His filmography is impressive, as is the list of amazing actors who have worked with him. His newest film, One Battle After Another, illustrates that he has lost none of his considerable powers and that he continues to set his sights on having a relevance to the world at large.
The story that underlies One Battle After Another is the extreme actions that governments (and the clandestine groups behind them) will resort to to ensure that their vision for the world is the dominant one. The overview is of the firebrands that fuelled opposition to the status quo and were unafraid to use any means necessary to restore their version of a fair and equal society.
There are a few things to consider with the amazing performances by lead actors Sean Penn and Leonardo DiCaprio. You have to admire the moment when Penn read the script for his absolutely repugnant character, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw and thought, yeah, I’m in. DiCaprio as well for taking the risk with his lost stoner father figure, who eventually rises to the occasion. Their faith in PTA being absolute.
This perfectly paced thrill ride of a movie utilises two of the current best, DiCaprio and Penn, at a zenith moment of their careers. Paul Thomas Anderson has never been better, and his choice of subject matter has never been more relevant and needed as well. This is a work that comfortably resides amongst his other stand out works, yes, it’s that good.
Rob Hudson
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