Not many filmmakers in Hollywood have earned recognition of Paul Thomas Anderson. Since the 1990’s, Anderson has become an American icon. Whether it’s pornographic actors, fashion-designers or greedy oil prospectors, Anderson has created several characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by a director that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Magnolia
It’s always challenging facing loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our housekeeper was killed in crimes causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower, she became the victim of a psychotic murder. Her devastating death left family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from painful loss of a bold housekeeper that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured trauma faced by people mourning the dark loss of loved ones as powerfully as “Magnolia”. Released in 1999, Paul Thomas Anderson’s best movie offered a powerful portrait of individuals affected by loss in Los Angeles. With the greatest film of his career, Anderson used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the lives of individuals in L.A. facing despair. Anderson has always had an aptitude for making great movies about emotional characters under pressure, and “Magnolia” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Anderson used captivating parallel storytelling capturing the interconnected lives of individuals mourning loss of loved ones in Los Angeles. For instance, the scene in which Frank breaks down in tears as he has a conversation with his dying father causing despair is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Magnolia” Paul Thomas Anderson’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Los Angeles, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about loss which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about people affected by loss causing trauma, it’s a bold reminder of a director with charisma that has produced memorable movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
2. There Will be Blood
Greed can affect abilities of businessmen to succeed. Several years ago, I witnessed a friend with greed struggle to open a sports business causing sorrow. Affecting his happiness, greed impacted my friend’s ability to open a successful sports business. As someone haunted by a friend with greed that faced bad blood, I appreciated “There Will be Blood”. Released in 2007, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured greedy businessmen facing adversity. With the most ambitious film of his career, Anderson used inventive cinematic techniques to capture a businessman facing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for creating epic movies about dark characters in grave danger. Anderson used captivating non-linear storytelling to capture the life of a greedy businessman that’s frightening. For instance, the ending scene in which Daniel Plainview beats up Eli in a bowling alley causing despair is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “There Will be Blood” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about entrepreneurs, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the oil business to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about consequences of greed which would resonate with everyone. As precious as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a riveting reminder of a director that has manufactured commemorated movies audiences value.
3. Phantom Thread
Fashion-designers are fascinating figures that always impressed my father. I remember my father was once interested in the lives of fashion-designers. He would always praise artists that sought to design glamorous clothes that shine. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved clothes fashion-designers thread, I adored “Phantom Thread”. Released in 2017, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured a fashion-designer in the 1950’s. With the most gorgeous film of his career, Anderson used captivating costume design to capture the life of a fashion-designer facing despair. It gave the director a chance to step out of his comfort zone by making a movie about a fashion-designer that’s well-known. Anderson showcased his talent for recreating the period of the 1950’s through stunning costumes that are eye-catching. For instance, the scene in which Reynolds has a tense argument with Alma over her surprise dinner dishes causing despair is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Phantom Thread” a fashion masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about fashion, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans ofthe fashion industry to appreciate the movie. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. As gorgeous as clothes Reynolds Woodcock seeks to design, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated director that has made memorable movies which always commonly always shine.
4. The Master
Psychologists are powerful figures that shaped my personality. When I was diagnosed with severe anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist providing valuable therapy. Through his valuable words of wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges of the education system. As someone treasuring fond memories of a therapist that I treasure, I appreciated “The Master”. Released in 2012, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured an aimless drifter seeking therapy. With the most thought-provoking film of his career, Anderson used captivating visuals to capture an aimless drifter joining religious cults causing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for making movies about emotional characters under intense pressure. Anderson used captivating symbolism to capture hardships that a religious cult leader is facing. For instance, the scene in which Lancaster Dodd engages in an intense interrogation asking Freddie a series of questions causing despair is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Master” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about religious cults, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Freddie’s alcoholism, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated director that has manufactured great movies throughout his career achieving immense worldwide stardom.
5. Boogie Nights
Pornographic actors are controversial figures that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that adored adult actors facing damage. He would speak fondly about bravery of adult actors that starred in provocative movies. My teacher often sought to educate students about an industry causing lives of actors to deteriorate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that was fascinated with adult actors facing fights, I adored “Boogie Nights”. Released in 1997, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie honoured the adult film industry. With the most provocative film of his career, Anderson used compelling cinematic techniques to capture adult movie stars facing despair. It gave the director a rare chance to take a huge risk in his career by making a movie about a controversial film industry. Anderson showcased rare bravery making a movie about the adult film industry. For instance, the scene in which Eddie is first recruited by a filmmaker in the pornographic industry seeking to prepare for a shoot is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Boogie Nights” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite its focus on a controversial film industry, the movie tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of addiction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships that adult actors face, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated director that has always manufactured memorable movies audiences embrace.
6. Anima
Paul Thomas Anderson has often excelled at making movies about emotional characters facing tension. Anderson has built an image of being a director that thrives at making movies about heroes facing emotional damage. Anderson’s strength for making films about trauma is clearly evident in his movie “Anima”. Released in 2019, Anderson’s short film showcased the filmmaker at his best. With the most experimental film of his career, Anderson used inventive cinematic techniques to capture musicians facing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for making films about emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Thom Yorke who is also amazing, Anderson created a musical drama that’s captivating. A strong tribute to music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a director that captivates the public.
7. Hard Eight
Gambling is a serious addiction rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often had the habit of glamorizing gambling without showing its negative consequences. In an industry that has rarely captured gambling causing lives to deteriorate, it’s worth praising “Hard Eight”. Released in 1996, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured gambling addiction. With the most adventurous film of his career, Anderson used inventive cinematic techniques to capture gamblers facing despair. Working alongside Gwyneth Paltrow who is also amazing, Anderson created a compelling movie about gambling. A grand portrait of gambling causing consequences that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated director that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his impressive career which are worth absolutely celebrating.
8. Inherent Vice
Drug addiction is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from stories of substance abuse causing issues. In an industry afraid to confront drug addiction which comes with a painful price, it’s worth praising “Inherent Vice”. Released in 2014, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured detectives in 1970’s. With the most comical film of his career, Anderson used handheld camerawork to capture a drug-using detective facing despair. It gave the director a rare chance to showcase talent for comedy he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Anderson created a movie about drug addiction that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of drug addiction in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a director making great movies that deserve to be celebrated today.
9. Punch-Drunk Love
Few actors in Hollywood have had a career as uneven as Adam Sandler. A controversial movie-star, Sandler hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. However, in 2002 Anderson captured the enduring appeal of the actor that audiences love in his movie “Punch-Drunk Love”. With the most romantic film of his career, Anderson used inventive cinematic techniques to capture a pair of lovers in a doomed affair. It gave the director a chance to step out of his comfort zone by making his first ever romantic comedy. Working alongside Adam Sandler who is outstanding, Anderson created a romantic drama that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of a doomed love affair, it’s a riveting reminder of a director that has built a successful career by manufacturing unforgettable movies about which audiences deeply commonly care.
10. Licorice Pizza
Paul Thomas Anderson hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the director has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Licorice Pizza” falls into the latter category. Released in 2022, Anderson’s worst movie captured rebellious teenagers facing adversity. Anderson showcased his commemorated technical skills behind the camera, creating characters that are compelling. Although “Licorice Pizza” is a bad movie, it honoured Anderson’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Alana’s bond with Gary, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated filmmaker that has created a lasting legacy by manufacturing memorable movies throughout his career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I always value highly.
The Film Buff 