By Mahnoosh Arsalan
Correspondent
Paul Thomas Anderson proves the power of chaos in his latest film “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti. The film follows a group of ex-political revolutionaries whose past catches up with them to save someone close to them held captive by a former enemy. Ultimately, the film investigates a few things: the lengths one would go to for politics, power or the people they love.
The performances in “One Battle After Another” were unlike anything I’d ever seen. DiCaprio plays Bob, a deadbeat father who is fighting for his life to save his daughter, Willa, a unique role that only he could portray with such comedy and emotion. Taylor is Perfidia, a wild, powerful woman who knows what she wants and gets it. But the two standouts for me were Penn as Steven Lockjaw and Infiniti as Willa.
Lockjaw is a power-hungry madman. Penn brought Lockjaw to life and almost makes you wish he were real just so you could punch him in the face.
I have never seen such an insufferable character on the silver screen, and I loved every second of it. Penn is an extremely iconic, diverse actor, from films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” to “Milk.” His ability to take on such different yet powerful roles is a skill that emphasizes his timeless talent. He has truly left his mark in Hollywood through his numerous captivating performances.
If his stellar portrayal of Lockjaw doesn’t solidify him a spot in the upcoming Oscar race, he’ll be blatantly robbed.
Willa is a sixteen-year-old girl yearning for a better understanding of her family, not realizing the mess she’s gotten herself into. Infiniti truly gave her all in this role.
Her performance is so raw, it should bring tears to your eyes. Willa was born into a life of trouble and can’t escape it, no matter how hard she tries, and Infiniti illuminates that idea. Every scream, every subtle eyebrow raise, and every slight flinch hits you right in the gut. Infiniti is a younger, up-and-coming actress whom I want to see in so many roles from now on. She illustrates such fear yet strong-will in Willa, seeing this in theaters was a completely unforgettable experience.
Something really interesting about this film is that it was shot on VistaVision, a popular format in the 1960s that uses horizontal film rather than vertical, giving the film a larger and more detailed appearance. Though it’s an old-school technique, the high-res quality is flawless. Anderson’s use of this technology shows his true care for film and the fight to keep it alive.
Anderson is an iconic figure in Hollywood. From directing “Boogie Nights” to “There Will Be Blood,” his films are captivating and important to the art of storytelling. He excels in his creation of “One Battle After Another,” a clear standout in his filmography.
This film brings something different to his catalog. Anderson is pushing cinematic boundaries. By telling such an important and relevant story, he opens up the floor of film to more uncomfortable discussions and difficult arguments to convey.
Anderson’s new film feels like a response to the pressing issues regarding gubernatorial authoritarianism, highlighting modern systematic abuses of power. Throughout the movie, chaos is an evident tool used to exemplify the different sides of power. The ignoble higher-ups of the government in the film are constantly stretching what they can and can’t get away with, just as the revolutionaries are, but for different causes.
The film emphasizes the nuance of power and pushes you out of your comfort zone, all while making you think of your loved ones. Anderson’s creation is one out of your imagination and expectations, so see it while you can.
