IT TAKES less than half an hour to understand why Daniel Day-Lewis was handed another Oscar for his jaw-dropping performance in this remarkable film.

Aside from the squirming, wretched young preacher (Dano) against whose faith his naked ambition collides, the adaptation of Pulitzer prize-winner Upton Sinclair's novel, Oil!, is quite simply a vehicle for Day-Lewis's mesmerising performance.

Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the rise to power of Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis), a charismatic and ruthless oil prospector driven to succeed by his intense hatred of others and psychological need to see any and all competitors fail.

When he learns of oil-rich land in California that can be bought cheaply, he moves his operation there and begins manipulating and exploiting the local landowners into selling him their property.

Over time, his gradual accumulation of wealth and power causes his true self to surface in devastating fashion. That a potentially bum-numbing 159-minute running time zooms by is testament to the quality of the script and the star's interpretation of it.

The dischordant soundtrack jars unnecessarily and there are a handful of plot twists that might have benefited from expansion. That aside, the impact is akin to being hit around the head with a sockful of pool balls - it packs a powerful punch and you're unlikely to forget it in a while.

* There Will Be Blood is showing this week and next at Eden Court. Call 01463 234234 for details.

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