I saw some fairly long sections of the film, read the script, and just wrote loads of music. I tried to write to the scenery and the story rather than specific themes for characters. It’s not really the kind of narrative that would suit that. It was all about the underlying menace of the film, the greed, and that against the fucked up, oppressive, religious mood and the kid in the middle of it all. Only a couple of parts were written for specific scenes. I was happier writing lots of music for the story and having Paul Thomas Anderson (the film’s director) fit some of it to the film. – Jonny Greenwood

If you haven’t seen this film wait for a day when you are ready for a surreal, jaw-dropping, no-holds-barred barrage of hyper-reality. A story about family, greed, religion, and oil, centered around a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business. Daniel Day-Lewis clearly immerses himself so far into the role of prospector Daniel Plainview that it is frightening. The movie takes place in early 20th century arid Texan and Californian plains – where oil has been discovered and is primed to be exploited. Plainview and other prospectors are rapidly spreading across the land, trying to convince the unwitting local farmers and ranchers of old western settlements that their oil drilling will bring prosperity to their towns. The period setting of emerging capitalism is juxtaposed with a twisted and haunting modern classical score that only adds to the bizarre drama which unfolds onscreen.

It was surprising to find out after listening to the soundtrack that it was composed by Jonny Greenwood the guitarist from Radiohead (a band that despite their constant acclaim, in all honestly passed me by). Greenwood’s score is captivating and greatly contributes to the literally tectonic forces which lie beneath the drama. The music is performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra led by Robert Ziegler, the Emperor Quartet, and special mention must go to the minimalist brooding performances from Caroline Dale on cello and Michael Dussek on piano. The score was considered a shoe-in for the Academy Award for Original Music Score at the 2008 Oscars, but it was ruled ineligible due to its use of pre-existing material. The score features elements from a previous Greenwood composition and works from Arvo Pärt and Johannes Brahms.

There are an array unconventional sonic textures and uniquely angular melodies which shape this score. The soundtrack to There Will Be Blood will appeal to serious movie-music fans, who will appreciate this rare find: an intelligent, beautiful and deeply cinematic orchestrated score. The moment I realised this soundtrack is a masterpiece is where they first strike oil and the action is accompanied by a huge, incredible percussive sound – look (and listen) out for it next time you see the film. It’s not often it can be claimed of a film, but it would simply not be so great were it not for Greenwood’s music. He deepens the image, gives character to the shot and establishes feeling. Dialogue is sparse in this cinematic epic which lasts well over two and a half hours. And thoroughly cinematic it is – it shows, it doesn’t talk it’s audience towards a conclusion and thus with it’s music inexorably bound in its telling, by showing gives us meaning and feeling.

Greenwood engulfs us in the world of the gothic and takes us across a fascinating, ethereal place where nothing is certain with one exception: that doom is fast approaching for everyone within the film. No one stands a chance against the ravenous nature of greed and exploitation. You might be unprepared for the outbursts of melodic darkness contained in both the film and score combined, but the result is that the film’s theme will last in your conscience long after the final credits roll. Nonesuch Records offers a digital download of three bonus tracks upon the purchase of the soundtrack from its web site – highly recommended, get a preview with the title track we’ve put up for you here.

Download the title track

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There Will Be Blood on IMDB

Jonny Greenwood – There Will Be Blood on Discogs