Hasta La Motion!

The characters in the films of Paul Thomas Anderson share many similarities. They come from dysfunctional families, they are desperately seeking acceptance, they let their emotions get the best of them, and the list goes on. But a similarity that seems to especially stand out is a sense of isolation. Anderson’s characters are adrift, looking for someone or something to connect with in their lonely worlds. This idea is expressed visually through the use of long/extreme long shots. We are often presented with characters lost within the frame, and therefore have trouble connecting with said characters–we become isolated ourselves. Here is a look at Anderson’s use of the long/extreme long shot throughout his first six feature films. MUSIC: “Alethia” by Jonny Greenwood Films: Hard Eight (1996) Boogie Nights (1997) Magnolia (1999) Punch-Drunk Love (2002) There Will be Blood (2007) The Master (2012) Featured at http://blogs.indiewire.com/pressplay/watch-a-video-essay-on-paul-thomas-andersons-provocative-use-of-the-long-shot-20150130 Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.