Xixax Film Forum

The Director's Chair => Paul Thomas Anderson => Topic started by: Robyn on October 23, 2017, 09:37:05 PM

Title: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Robyn on October 23, 2017, 09:37:05 PM
there is probably an older thread, but i'm interesting in seeing what everyone thinks a couple of films later.

1. the master
2. there will be blood
3. magnolia
4. punch-drunk love
5. inherent vice
6. boogie nights
7. sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Yes on October 23, 2017, 09:42:04 PM
1. There Will Be Blood
2. Boogie Nights
3. Magnolia
4. The Master
5. Punch-Drunk Love
6. Inherent Vice
7. Hard 8
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 23, 2017, 09:43:23 PM
Sure.  I'll play.  But my ranking is based on how much i respond to each film.  (It also more or less describes how many times I've seen them.)

1. Boogie Nights
2. Magnolia
3. Punch-Drunk Love
4. There Will Be Blood
5. The Master
6. Hard Eight
7. Inherent Vice

I think TWBB may well be his best film--but Boogie Nights will always be my favorite of his films.

[edit]  I just noticed that 1 - 5 on my list happens to match the order in which I first saw these films.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Jeremy Blackman on October 23, 2017, 10:22:13 PM
1. Magnolia
2. Punch-Drunk Love
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Boogie Nights
5. The Master
6. Inherent Vice
7. Hard Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 23, 2017, 11:34:37 PM
I've often wondered if the order in which you see PTA's films has any effect on your ranking of them...  Thoughts?
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lottery on October 23, 2017, 11:56:40 PM
I reckon if you're one of his earlier fans, you're more likely to rank Magnolia higher.

Probably:

1. The Master
2. Punch Drunk Love
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Boogie Nights
5. Inherent Vice
6. Magnolia
7. Sydney

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: polkablues on October 24, 2017, 12:10:19 AM
This is like Sophie's Choice, except instead of forcing me to choose which of my children I would let die, you're asking me to do something hard.

1. Blood
2. Mag
3. Mast
4. Boog
5. Punch
6. Vice
7. Syd
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilder on October 24, 2017, 12:24:28 AM
Even though on a scene-by-scene basis his more recent work may be stronger or more original, there's still nothing that matches the sheer emotional intensity of Magnolia for me, and I'm sure many of us. It's like a cathartic tidal wave. His filmography aside, the only other thing that comes close to achieving its feeling is Margaret, in my eyes. So...

Phantom Thread
Magnolia
Boogie Nights
Inherent Vice
There Will Be Blood
The Master
Punch-Drunk Love
Hard Eight

This is becoming increasingly hard. I dig the performance more in TWBB but the filmmaking more in The Master. The sort of beat down regal gentleman vibe of Hard Eight more than Punch-Drunk, but it being his earliest work, by nature it just isn't as tightly executed and doesn't have as unique rhythm. I'd probably care for The Master more if he'd done another draft. It was pretty shocking when the version that came out was so close to that early script that leaked. As much as I like it, the story seems a little undercooked to me. But then again, given that it was sort of his first non-adaptation, non filmmaker inspired movie (in the way Hard Eight had Bob le flambeur and Boogie Nights has Goodfellas etc as models) maybe that was to be expected. I don't know. I like them all. I like everything.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: WorldForgot on October 24, 2017, 03:21:45 AM
1. Inherent Vice (... when I watch this film it's as if all of my feelings about life, and the reverberations of the feelings I've forgotten, have been distilled onto celluloid)
2. There Will Be Blood
3. The Master
4. Punch-Drunk Love
5. Magnolia
6. Boogie Nights
7. Hard Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drenk on October 24, 2017, 07:45:52 AM
Well.

1) Magnolia
2) There Will Be Blood
3) Punch Drunk Love
4) Whatever
5) Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Shughes on October 24, 2017, 07:51:13 AM
Ranked:

1. There Will Be Blood
2. The Master
3. Magnolia
4. Boogie Nights
5. Punch Drunk Love
6. Inherent Vice
7. Sydney

Order I first watched:

1. Boogie Nights (VHS)
2. Sydney (VHS - UK so 'Hard Eight', ratio cropped, etc)
3. Magnolia (DVD)
4. Punch Drunk Love (Cinema)
5. There Will Be Blood (Cinema)
6. The Master (Cinema)
7. Inherent Vice (Cinema)

I'm not sure if the order in which I watched has had an effect on my rankings, but would argue that the format in which I watched had an effect on the impact of each film. Down to the fact that Sydney/Hard Eight was pan and scan VHS and looked like crap. I later re-watched in the correct aspect ratio and liked it a whole lot more. Still at the bottom of my list - but every film on the list is great!
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Sleepless on October 24, 2017, 08:54:53 AM
Based on nothing more than my personal love:

1. There Will Be Blood
2. Magnolia
3. Boogie Nights
4. Punch-Drunk Love
5. Sydney
6. Inherent Vice
7. The Master
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Reel on October 24, 2017, 09:02:47 AM
1. Punch Drunk Love
2. Magnolia
3. Boogie Nights
4. There Will Be Blood
5. The Master
6. Hard Eight
7. Inherent Vice


Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on October 24, 2017, 09:15:25 AM
I'm a very compulsive film watcher, often rewatching the same film many many times because I enjoy living in their worlds. I've lost track of how many times i've seen Pauls movies but I'm gonna try to guess as well.

In order by how compulsively I rewatch each film:

1. The Master (50+)(5 times in theaters)
2. Inherent Vice (50+)(4 times in theaters)
3. Punch Drunk Love (~30)
4. Boogie Nights (~30)
5. There Will Be Blood(~30)
6. Magnolia (~10)
7. Hard Eight (5)

I much prefer post-coke PTA.
but I do think There Will Be Blood and The Master are his most important films, even though I tend to not rewatch Blood nearly as much as the comfort food that is The Master and Inherent Vice.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Reel on October 24, 2017, 09:35:48 AM
I can never believe someone who says they've seen a movie over 50 times, unless you actually made that movie or you're 4 years old watching "Frozen". My conclusion is that you may have pressed play and had it on in the room 50 times, but you haven't actually sat down and seen the thing front to back that much. That's just too many goddamn times! The only movie I could honestly say I might have watched that much is Disney's "Beauty And The Beast" because it was the first VHS I ever owned so it I played it like clockwork everyday after school.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Fuzzy Dunlop on October 24, 2017, 10:00:34 AM
Favorites, with guesses as to how many times I've watched them / had them on in the room:

Magnolia (80+)
Boogie Nights (100+)
The Master (7)
Chere Mill Be Blood (15)
Punch-Drunk Love (30)
Hard Eight (35)
Inherent Vice (5)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: modage on October 24, 2017, 10:04:06 AM
Literally can't believe we don't have a thread for this already but...

1. Magnolia
2. Boogie Nights
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Punch-Drunk Love
5. The Master
6. Inherent Vice
7. Hard Eight

I think Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood are locked in a tie for best but Magnolia will always be my favorite.

On my personal list I think I just have to accept that the BOOGIExMAGGIExCHEREMILL Top 3 is probably never changing.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: axxonn on October 24, 2017, 10:34:23 AM
1. Inherent Vice
2. Punch-Drunk Love
3. The Master
4. Magnolia
5. There Will Be Blood
6. Boogie Nights
7. Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Kal on October 24, 2017, 12:03:15 PM
1) Boogie Nights
2) Magnolia
3) There Will Be Blood
4) Punch Drunk Love
5) The Master
6) Hard Eight
7) Inherent Vice

I think as I get older, I don't get to re-watch new things as much as I used to. I'll re-watch older films still over and over again, but I haven't re-watched recent films more than once or twice even if I love them. Maybe Inherent Vice will grow more on me if I watch it more...

#1 is a no brainer for me, #2 and #3 are pretty close.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: RegularKarate on October 24, 2017, 12:24:59 PM
1. Maggie
2. Cherey
3. Punchy
4. Boogie
5. Masty
6. Vicey
7. Sidney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on October 24, 2017, 01:18:49 PM
Boogie Nights
Inherent Vice
Punch-Drunk Love
Magnolia
Hard Eight
The Master
There Will Be Blood
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 24, 2017, 03:51:22 PM
Quote from: RegularKarate on October 24, 2017, 12:24:59 PM
1. Maggie
2. Cherey
3. Punchy
4. Boogie
5. Masty
6. Vicey
7. Sidney

These made me smile, but you gotta help a brother out:  "Cherey"?   I'm not getting the reference...
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: polkablues on October 24, 2017, 03:54:38 PM
A history of the best long-running inside joke this board has produced:

http://xixax.com/index.php?topic=10940.msg284554#msg284554
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 24, 2017, 03:58:16 PM
As of this posting, here's where the various films have been ranked.   Not sure what it means yet, other than Hard Eight and Inherent Vice seem to rank the lowest most often.  And Magnolia and There Will Be Blood the highest most often...
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on October 24, 2017, 04:06:57 PM
we gotta wait to see TUBA's list, that'll clear things up
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Robyn on October 24, 2017, 04:13:03 PM
at least we agree on calling it cmbb.

Quote from: KJ on October 23, 2017, 09:37:05 PM
7. sydney
Quote from: BigSock on October 23, 2017, 09:42:04 PM
7. Hard 8
Quote from: wilberfan on October 23, 2017, 09:43:23 PM
6. Hard Eight
Quote from: Jeremy Blackman link=topic=13779.msg349690#msg349690
7. Hard Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 24, 2017, 04:26:48 PM
If you award 7-points to a first-place vote, 6-points to a 2nd-place vote...

Again, Magnolia and TWBB seem to be at the top, Hard 8 clearly at the bottom, with Boogie, Punch, Master pretty close in the middle. 

(This Boogie Nights obsessive is rather surprised.  At least it made it to the podium.  Bronze ain't bad, I guess.)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on October 24, 2017, 05:14:30 PM
Quote from: Reelist on October 24, 2017, 09:35:48 AM
I can never believe someone who says they've seen a movie over 50 times, unless you actually made that movie or you're 4 years old watching "Frozen". My conclusion is that you may have pressed play and had it on in the room 50 times, but you haven't actually sat down and seen the thing front to back that much. That's just too many goddamn times! The only movie I could honestly say I might have watched that much is Disney's "Beauty And The Beast" because it was the first VHS I ever owned so it I played it like clockwork everyday after school.

I mean, it is just a guess, but there was a time there when the dvd came out that i watched it about 5 times a week for months. i'm really not exaggerating there. and I have seen it at least 5 times this year alone. The Master is totally the Frozen of my inner 4 year old:)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 24, 2017, 05:20:03 PM
Quote from: HACKANUT on October 24, 2017, 05:14:30 PM
Quote from: Reelist on October 24, 2017, 09:35:48 AM
I can never believe someone who says they've seen a movie over 50 times, unless you actually made that movie or you're 4 years old watching "Frozen".

I mean, it is just a guess, but there was a time there when the dvd came out that i watched it about 5 times a week for months. i'm really not exaggerating there. and I have seen it at least 5 times this year alone. The Master is totally the Frozen of my inner 4 year old:)

A little off-topic, but I was obsessed with Kubrick and 2001 back in the day and once wrote down every time I'd seen it.  It's always been in a theater (to this day I've never watched it on TV), and the total got up into the low-30s... 
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Something Spanish on November 05, 2017, 06:53:58 PM
Watched Magnolia for the first time in almost 8 years for confirmation and here's mine:

Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Punch-Drunk Love
The Master
There Will Be Blood
Boogie Nights
Hard Eight

"I want you to come in with me, and I want you to stay away from me"
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Gold Trumpet on November 05, 2017, 09:44:09 PM
Lists are dumb but allow me to indulge.

The excellent...

There Will Be Blood
The Master
Punch Drunk Love
Boogie Nights

The not as excellent...

Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Hard Eight

(Watching Magnolia now is tough because the melodramatics come off as corny instead of moving. It's overload.)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lottery on November 05, 2017, 10:04:50 PM
Quote from: Gold Trumpet on November 05, 2017, 09:44:09 PM
(Watching Magnolia now is tough because the melodramatics come off as corny instead of moving. It's overload.)

This definitely could be in the triggering opinions thread but I kinda agree to some extent. It was overwhelming and draining in a good way the first few times I watched it but it doesn't feel as strong as it once was. It's earnest, youthful and ambitious but his later works are more emotionally convincing and powerful to me.
Still pretty great though.

Quote from: modage on October 24, 2017, 10:04:06 AM
Literally can't believe we don't have a thread for this already but...

Also yeah, that's crazy.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Something Spanish on November 06, 2017, 10:27:14 AM
On the contrary for me, watching it now after all these years was almost like seeing it anew and from a new perspective; I found it just as powerful, if not more so, than when I saw it in my youth. I saw this flick 9 times during its theatrical run, an unprecedented number of times considering the most I've ever seen a movie in theaters at that point was maybe twice. Last time I saw it was when the blu-ray was released, now I'm 34, have seen at least a thousand other flicks int her interim and still revel at the movie's ambitions, its scope, its innovations, the incredible dialogue, just everything about it is awe-inspiring. I don't ever want to wait such a long time between viewing again. I can recognize people feeling the emotions are over-the-top, especially for some of the characters, but I find that the many emotional breakdowns are well-balanced with the other more level headed characters, not to mentioned earned due to the topics at hand; terminal cancer and child abuse/molestation tend to have that effect. The movie is so personal, wears its heart on its sleeve so blatantly that the filmmaker will probably never feel inclined to plumb those depths again.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: velociraptor on November 06, 2017, 11:38:59 AM
1. The Master
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Punch-Drunk Love
4. Boogie Nights
5. Inherent Vice
6. Magnolia
7. Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: The Ultimate Badass on November 11, 2017, 08:22:13 PM
1. Magnolia
2. Punch-Drunk Love
3. Boogie Nights
4. There Will Be Blood
5. The Master
6. Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alethia on November 11, 2017, 09:51:06 PM
1. The Master
2. Phantom Thread
3. Magnolia
4. Punch-Drunk Love
5. Boogie Nights
6. There Will Be Blood
7. Inherent Vice (and I LOVE Inherent Vice)
8. Hard Eight

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: RedHawk10 on November 25, 2017, 11:18:51 AM
1. Magnolia
2. The Master
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Boogie Nights
5. Punch Drunk Love
6. Inherent Vice
7. Hard Eight

#1 is in my top ten films of all time, #2-#4 are masterworks, #5 is great, I liked #6, and #7 is decent but I'm not a huge fan of it.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 25, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
After only one viewing of Phantom, (so subject to minor adjustments following additional viewings), mine might now look like this:

1. Boogie Nights
2. Magnolia
3. Punch-Drunk Love
4. Phantom Thread
5. There Will Be Blood
6. The Master
7. Hard Eight
8. Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: martinthewarrior on November 26, 2017, 10:26:50 PM
1. There will be Blood.
2. Inherent Vice.
3. Punch Drunk Love.
4. Boogie Nights.
5 The Master.
6. Magnolia.
7. Hard Eight.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lempwick on November 27, 2017, 12:01:36 PM
Love:

1.  Boogie Nights
2.  Punch-Drunk Love

Like:

3.  Hard Eight

Meh:

4.  There Will Be Blood

Dislike:

5.  The Master
6.  Magnolia
7.  Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: ono on November 27, 2017, 12:06:27 PM
 :saywhat:
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lempwick on November 27, 2017, 02:11:46 PM
Quote from: ono on November 27, 2017, 12:06:27 PM
:saywhat:

Issues with PTA's screenwriting; I find it often very unfocused in a way the technical/formal elements aren't. 
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 27, 2017, 02:18:39 PM
Quote from: Lempwick on November 27, 2017, 02:11:46 PM
Issues with PTA's screenwriting; I find it often very unfocused in a way the technical/formal elements aren't.

Elaborate...?
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lempwick on November 27, 2017, 03:02:26 PM
Take TWBB.  I really like the imaginative blocking, the cinematography, mise-en-scene, etc., but I feel like there's little attention paid to narrative development; I don't find the story interesting, or the exploration of its ostensible themes illuminating (capitalism, etc.).  It's ultimately just monotonous formalism.  And DDL's cartoonishness made it all the more incongruous to me. 
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drenk on November 27, 2017, 03:38:05 PM
Quote from: Lempwick on November 27, 2017, 03:02:26 PM
Take TWBB.  I really like the imaginative blocking, the cinematography, mise-en-scene, etc., but I feel like there's little attention paid to narrative development; I don't find the story interesting, or the exploration of its ostensible themes illuminating (capitalism, etc.).  It's ultimately just monotonous formalism.  And DDL's cartoonishness made it all the more incongruous to me.

There Will Be Blood is not about capitalism. A lot of critics don't know how to describe his movies. But I agree that it is weak if we are looking at it as a comment about capitalism v religion.

I don't even remember how he describes it in the Marc Maron podcast. "It's about oil" or some bullshit. I know it's easy to say that he often writes about family but TWBB is fascinating because Plainview is a family man who is against people and his own family. He is not looking for human shelter. He is dreaming about that house. But he is a family man because H.W lands on him and even if he exploits his "son" he loves him. He is a family man for the people he gives work/money/to. I love the line when he says that they should have bread. And that he would give bread to them.

The ultimate insult is the false brother in law. The ultimate betrayal. He softens us to his past. But it's a lie. Plainview is in tension between his need to be left alone and his need to be surrounded by people. Of course, he wants to control them, too...

And Sunday doesn't want him to take his people away from him. If there is a comment about religion vs capitalism it is that ultimately it doesn't matter if we are talking about oil or God, it is only about power...It is slim. I find Plainview way more fascinating. He is the anti PTA character living in the most PTA character.

I rarely see characters as good in movies living through so many memorable moments.

He is also helped by the fact that he knows when he writes what mood he aims at. And he can direct the hell out of these moods.

You can also see The Master as an incoherent script or a depiction of a fascinating and complex relationship.

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilder on November 27, 2017, 03:44:51 PM
Damn well put.

Wondering if you saw this remark PT made about Phantom Thread that wilberfan linked (SPOILERS EVERYBODY)

Quote from: wilberfan on November 27, 2017, 01:57:20 AMhttps://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/934978136369958912
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drenk on November 27, 2017, 04:06:03 PM
I saw it and remembered what he said after writing that sentence. I hadn't thought about it in context with Plainview before. I'm very excited for Phantom Thread...
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drenk on November 27, 2017, 04:58:22 PM
Well, marriage is definitely a thing that makes Dodd unavailable for Freddy but he also has The Cause to deal with. And his couple with Freddy works outside the logic of marriage (I'm not even sure it is really about sex, I'd even say it works better that a "normal" couple or his marriage because there is no sex) and can't be chained to The Cause...Their short honeymoon is when Freddy is saying that The Cause works! But it doesn't for him. So he leaves.

He is not the master with Freddy, I guess. Nor is Freddy the master. It's a companionship. They need to travel and do things all around the world. The song he sings to him is perfect. That's a toxic way to see marriage and we also see that he is not really the master of his couple but he plays that role for the world—and they are a couple that works in the way that their mariage is strong for The Cause, the extended family, and Freddy fucks everything up. Dodd was beginning to lose interest in The Cause toward the end...But he can't escape. He looks so trapped in that gigantic desk but it's his fault if he can't go away...

(Of course, he's probably gay and I don't think that Freddy is...It was messed up.)

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 27, 2017, 07:09:57 PM
Quote from: Something Spanish on November 06, 2017, 10:27:14 AM
...still revel at the movie's ambitions, its scope, its innovations, the incredible dialogue, just everything about it is awe-inspiring. I don't ever want to wait such a long time between viewing again.

In general, this describes my feelings about Boogie Nights.  I'm deeply fond of Magnolia and Punch-Drunk Love, but I've only watched those 5 or 6 times each.  I've seen BN more than 30 (and maybe half of those in the last 5 years or so).
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: ono on November 28, 2017, 07:57:07 PM
One such older thread:

http://xixax.com/index.php?topic=12860.0

As for me:

The Master -- I just love how elliptical he's gotten.  The scene of Freddie falling asleep to Casper and getting a phone call is emblematic of everything I want a film to be.  The final confrontation reminds me a tiny bit of the final Eyes Wide Shut confrontation.  And that final sex scene is just too good.

There Will Be Blood -- the last 20-ish minutes never happened.  A theory I've been working on based on the editing choices made.  If ever you were to point to a film with perfect filmmaking, this would be it.  Everything is just so precise.

Magnolia -- But that did happen.

Punch-Drunk Love -- Best love story.  I wrote an essay about its quirks back in college, thanks to a lot of people's observations here.  It helped foster my film love in so many ways.

Boogie Nights -- It's only listed 5th because he's made 4 better films.  Not that it isn't great.

Hard Eight -- It's only listed 6th because he's made 5 better films.  And everyone had to start somewhere.

I still haven't seen Inherent Vice or Junun.  IV, because I promised myself I'd read it first, but it is such a slog to read.  Lame excuse, I know.  I own IV.  Will probably watch them all again before Phantom Thread.  Just the other day, I listened to the first Boogie Nights commentary all over again for the 50th time.  Like catching up with an old friend.  Listened to the Hard Eight one a couple months ago.  They make me bummed PTA doesn't do commentaries anymore.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 28, 2017, 08:20:36 PM
Quote from: ono on November 28, 2017, 07:57:07 PM
Just the other day, I listened to the first Boogie Nights commentary all over again for the 50th time.  Like catching up with an old friend.  Listened to the Hard Eight one a couple months ago.  They make me bummed PTA doesn't do commentaries anymore.

You used the phrase "...the first Boogie Nights commentary".  Was there a second?  :shock:   Oh, wait.  You probably meant that was his first?  Has he really not done once since?  THAT is tragic...
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: ono on November 28, 2017, 08:34:03 PM
There are two Boogie Nights commentary tracks, yeah.  One is more interviews with the actors that play along with the movie.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 28, 2017, 08:43:53 PM
Quote from: ono on November 28, 2017, 08:34:03 PM
There are two Boogie Nights commentary tracks, yeah.  One is more interviews with the actors that play along with the movie.

That's right!  I remember Cheedle and Moore in the second one...
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Something Spanish on November 28, 2017, 09:24:19 PM
TWBB may not be primarily about capitalism, but capitalism, and its tussle with religion, certainly is a driving force throughout, as is porn in Boogie, Dianetics in Master, gambling in Sydney, etc. PTA's films are character driven and whatever themes arise are mainly due to the characters' personalities and interactions within that setting. I know people say they understand the plot elements of IV, that the story is easy to follow if you pay attention, but I find that untrue, particularly if you haven't read the book. The story is simply too elusive and he does not seem interested in it. It's all about the characters being thrust into situations and a yearning for ideals passed by. The movie perfectly bottles the spirit of Pynchon's themes.

I remember he said in one interviewer that he likes to go for the saddest happiest ending possible, and that's one of the magic touches I connect to most in his films. Like Dirk returning to porn, he's back in his element, but what a sad place to be after the successes he experienced, or Freddie flashing to the image of himself laying down with the sand sculpture after everything he was taught throughout The Master, Doc riding down a foggy road with his old lady, after spending the entire movie worried about her safety, even though they're not back together. Every ending, with maybe the exception of Punch-Drunk, is tinged with a bittersweet flavor that fits perfectly with all that preceded. 
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 28, 2017, 09:44:26 PM
Quote from: Something Spanish on November 28, 2017, 09:24:19 PM
I remember he said in one interviewer that he likes to go for the saddest happiest ending possible, and that's one of the magic touches I connect to most in his films. Like Dirk returning to porn, he's back in his element, but what a sad place to be after the successes he experienced, or Freddie flashing to the image of himself laying down with the sand sculpture after everything he was taught throughout The Master, Doc riding down a foggy road with his old lady, after spending the entire movie worried about her safety, even though they're not back together. Every ending, with maybe the exception of Punch-Drunk, is tinged with a bittersweet flavor that fits perfectly with all that preceded.

Yes.  I've occasionally heard someone describe the ending of Boogie Nights as "happy", but I could never agree with that.  It was gratifying to see them all back together (and safe? but for how long?) but just look at Maggie's blank expression in her vanity mirror, despite Jack's "I'm staring at the foxiest bitch in the whole world"...or Rollergirl lost in a daydream, looking out of the GED classroom.

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Something Spanish on November 28, 2017, 09:47:34 PM
Quote from: wilberfan on November 28, 2017, 09:44:26 PM

Yes.  I've occasionally heard someone describe the ending of Boogie Nights as "happy", but I could never agree with that.  It was gratifying to see them all back together (and safe? but for how long?) but just look at Maggie's blank expression in her vanity mirror, despite Jack's "I'm staring at the foxiest bitch in the whole world"...or Rollergirl lost in a daydream, looking out of the GED classroom.



Yeah, Jack's final walk through the house with Michael Penn's downer melody says it all, especially when he passes Little Bill's portrait.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Punch Drunk Hate on November 28, 2017, 10:56:23 PM
Isn't it ironic that what is consider the darker and more depressing film(Magnolia) has a more hopeful ending then what is considered by many to be a joyful 70's romp(Boogie Nights)? Not that those characters have that much better, though you could see them changing for the better, while the Boogie Night characters are stacked in a hole they cannot dig out of. Even the more hopeful conclusions(Reed and Buck) have a bittersweetness, knowing Reed stupidity and Buck stealing the money from the armed robber at the donut shop.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jviness02 on November 29, 2017, 01:26:20 PM
We can talk about religion and capitalism all day long, but all you really need to know about There Will Be Blood is in the man's own description of the film he gives to Marc Maron: It's a Tom and Jerry episode. Ultimately what makes PTA such a great artist is his interest in character over anything else. Yes, there are themes that the two men represent, but at it's heart it's a cat and mouse game between two cunning individuals and if the film doesn't work on that basic level, it doesn't work on any higher level. PTA understands and appreciates the basics and uses them as roots to deeper and richer aspects of his work, unlike, for example, The Revenant, which never tried to understand the basic aspect of it's revengw story and simply tried to make it richer and deeper without the understanding of the story's basic roots and it lead to a lot of mumbo jumbo. It was a bit of a mess. For lack of a better word, I don't think PTA "over-thinks" himself. It's why Paul Dano described him as making movies straight from his balls, versus straight from intellect.

Oh and my rankings:

1. The Master
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Boogie Nights
4. Punch Drunk Love
5. Magnolia
6. Inherent Vice
7. Sydney

I'd give 1-6 A's and Sydney a solid B+.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 29, 2017, 08:18:36 PM
Quote from: Something Spanish on November 28, 2017, 09:47:34 PM
Quote from: wilberfan on November 28, 2017, 09:44:26 PM

Yes.  I've occasionally heard someone describe the ending of Boogie Nights as "happy", but I could never agree with that.  It was gratifying to see them all back together (and safe? but for how long?) but just look at Maggie's blank expression in her vanity mirror, despite Jack's "I'm staring at the foxiest bitch in the whole world"...or Rollergirl lost in a daydream, looking out of the GED classroom.

Yeah, Jack's final walk through the house with Michael Penn's downer melody says it all, especially when he passes Little Bill's portrait.

Someone left this beautiful paragraph as part of a comment a few years ago:

QuoteSometimes I think of this scene, and the way Burt Reynolds takes us through it. The way the soft, evening light leaks into the windows of the house. The way the camera hugs his back and never lets Jack leave the frame, though others pass in and out. The way the camera lingers on Little Bill Thompson's portrait, hung on the wall where he took his life. The way the mournful musical suite from the imageless opening returns, hovering just low enough in the mix. And I think, God, what a fucking film.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alethia on November 29, 2017, 08:32:38 PM
That comment left me momentarily misty-eyed, for sure.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: d on December 16, 2017, 03:26:08 PM
I've been reading the forums for some time now but only decided to register recently. This is not my first post but let me share my list as a formal hello. PTA is definately my favourite living filmmaker.

Absolutely adore:
1. The Master (probably my all time fav, definitely in my top3)
2. Inherent Vice (would never undestand why IV is so underrated even among PTA fans; as a whole it may not be perfect but individual scenes, lines, cinematography, acting, use of music all feel so great)

Love
3. Magnolia
4. Boogie Nights (I love it, it's fun to watch, some great scenes but just feels too long and repetitive in the last act... and I kinda hate the Dirk Diggler fake home videos)
5. Punch-Drunk Love


Respect:
6. TWBB (yeah, it's my IV; I absolutely understand why even not big PTA fans consider it one of the best movies ever but I just don't get it, I would really like to love it but I just can't, which is strange considering how much more I love The Master and IV than his (still great) eariler work.
7. Hard Eight

I can't imagine Phantom Thread is better than The Master but judging from your opinions I believe it may rank just below The Master or Vice.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on December 20, 2017, 08:09:48 PM
Phantom Urges: Paul Thomas Anderson's Films Ranked

https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/phantom-urges-paul-thomas-andersons-films-ranked

(Well, I must say, his rankings are about as upside-down and inside-out from my rankings as you can get...)

Another ranking from Indiewire.  (This includes things like "Junun".)

Paul Thomas Anderson Movies Ranked from Worst to Best
http://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/paul-thomas-anderson-movies-ranked-worst-best-boogie-nights-there-will-be-blood-phantom-thread-1201910078/

A third set of rankings, this time from The Wrap:
https://www.thewrap.com/paul-thomas-anderson-movies-ranked-worst-best-boogie-nights-magnolia-there-will-be-blood/

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on August 28, 2019, 03:39:03 AM
Quote from: jenkins on October 24, 2017, 01:18:49 PM
Boogie Nights
Inherent Vice
Punch-Drunk Love
Magnolia
Hard Eight
The Master
There Will Be Blood

i watched TWBB after not having seen it in years. i believe the above list is still accurate from the top three. it might be that The Master and Magnolia could switch. i would have to rewatch them both to be sure and idk when ill do that, probably not before i rewatch Hard Eight which i somehow like more than  pta fans who stick to its original title. i think the world is funny in a general sense

the first 15min of TWBB are spiritual. the pan up as he drags himself across the rocks is melodramatic but besides that. i think the entire score is melodramatic btw. no mystery in it at all. it's this movie's physical textures which i consider holy. DDL's performance. the live train station. the derricks. the physical textures like i said. but i can never become involved with Daniel as others can. it's just woa buddy stuff. and the whole narrative revolves around him, innit the only pta narrative that revolves around only one person.  i simply think that out of all pta's movies TWBB is a beautiful portrait of the least amount of human complexities. nothing gets tangled up in the movie, it all points to Daniel

Dano doesn't bother me btw. i think his acting talents fit well inside the idea of Paul Sunday. complimentary. Dano doesn't bother me, just to mention

that's not to ruffle anybody here. just still my least favorite pta movie. personal perspective. in terms of which pta movie i would most to watch, it's boogie or inherent, that's personal taste
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Gold Trumpet on August 28, 2019, 08:10:32 AM
There Will Be Blood
The Master
Punch-Drunk Love
Boogie Nights
Phantom Thread
Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on August 28, 2019, 05:44:26 PM
Quote from: Something Spanish on November 28, 2017, 09:24:19 PM
I remember he said in one interviewer that he likes to go for the saddest happiest ending possible, and that's one of the magic touches I connect to most in his films.

i'm like really into that quote

TWBB's narrative clear as day, the next day i think about the psychological elements of this very-alive movie, in which each character behaves according to an active personality

the psychology of Daniel is the spine of the movie

the final conversation between Daniel/HW is echoed by the final conversation between Phil/Joa in The Master. HW is being reasonable by wanting to draw the line between relationship and business. but Daniel mentions that business has been first for him the whole while. they  become rivals in a sad scene that does not surprise us, Daniel having mentioned that this is how he is

in the final scene there was no reason to expect Daniel and Paul to become one. we easily accept that Daniel is not a religious person, and can celebrate what Paul has to yell. melodrama ingrained in the narrative, like the fake brother as well. how easily the killing of the fake brother is absorbed by the narrative logic, totally understandable

the story that further expresses the friction between business and personal is with the man from Standard Oil. how clear it is in their first conversation that Daniel has misread the intentions of the Standard Oil man's statement. the Standard Oil man frankly does not care whether Daniel is a good father or not, he's only talking business, and mentions the son as a good idea for retirement. but here the conversation detaches from business, since Daniel takes the comment as a judgment against his moral character. he immediately says a crazy thing that the Standard Oil man identifies as crazy by acting natural and being genuinely unaware of the inner turmoil taking place inside of Daniel. the next time they see each other Daniel embarrasses himself the whole while, covering his head with a napkin and walking over to the table.  the Standard Oil man keeps acting perfectly natural and respectable, since he truly doesn't even know what in the fuck is going on. what's cool about this moment is how obviously wrong Daniel is behaving. he's so misguided and trapped inside himself. very human. this scene is complex in a way that's demonstrated

it is true that from Daniel HW could learn what being not human looks like. how will HW do in Mexico? i wish him luck in the indifferent world of business! the absence of love in the heart of Daniel is the quality that differentiates this movie from any other PTA movie, which is actually obvious since PTA is a romantic. in this way the movie is uncharacteristic of his personality, exactly as PTA wanted it to be. he made a good movie in a surprising way. that is exciting. i'm thinking about it the day after watching it and that's a good sign too. so even my least favorite PTA movie is a juicy movie
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Jaimeen on October 06, 2019, 09:10:04 AM
1. The Master
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Phantom Thread
4. Punch Drunk Love
5. Inherent Vice
6. Magnolia
7. Hard Eight
8. Boogie Nights

I'm one of those guys who thinks PTA has only gotten better with time.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lempwick on October 06, 2019, 09:13:37 AM
1.  Boogie Nights

2.  Punch-Drunk Love




3.  Hard Eight




4.  There Will Be Blood
5.  Phantom Thread


6.  The Master

7.  Magnolia / Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: pynchonikon on October 06, 2019, 04:38:31 PM
1.The Master
2.TWBB
3.Inherent Vice
4.Phantom Thread
5.Boogie Nights
6.Magnolia
7.PDL
8.Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Convael on October 10, 2019, 10:12:13 AM
1. There Will Be Blood (Still amazes me and shocks me and feels almost like a religious experience, still feels like it was made by aliens and an alien went into the body of DDL. I don't know why but this movie feels so incredibly freakish and alive and important to me)
2. Magnolia (I love the film but it might partly be nostalgia--I love the Jon Brion score and the PTA acting crew all at their best. I rewatched it recently and thought it would make me cringe but it just made me elated)
3. Boogie Nights (Still feels like such a pure expression of a young filmmaker making the most heartfelt, fun movie he possibly can. If I ever want to introduce someone to PTA I'll show them this)
4. Punch-Drunk Love (IMO by far his best use of set design, sound effects, colors, costumes. All the stuff other people have said about it feeling one of a kind and Sandler's performance. I think the ending is quite weak though but that might just be because it doesn't have the gut punch of, say, Magnolia)
5. The Master (I never got it. Master feels so artificial to me and so off--he never felt anything close to a real person, and if you look at him as just a character he's not even particularly interesting. That character feels more than anything else to me like a great actor playing a "type" of character that was never fully embodied or I just never got. Joaquin is obviously super impressive but I never cared about Freddie. I think this film has the worst music of the JG films.)
6. Phantom Thread (Has THE BEST JG music by far. The score is so lush and epic and bewildering and still fits a small film. Vicky Krieps is phenomenal but other than that it's what...an older, grumpy silver-haired man getting soft and falling in love with a hot young girl and he likes her because...she challenges him? That's one of the biggest cliches in storytelling and adding on the Munchausen syndrome doesn't make it interesting)
7. Inherent Vice (Totally baffling to me. Not funny, dull, nothing noteworthy about the performances (other than Brolin). I think Joaquin was 100% miscast. This film is not worthy of PTA or Pynchon)
8. Hard Eight (A solid movie, and I'd rather watch it than Inherent Vice, but because it was so early/cheap I don't think it's fair to compare it with all the others)

I don't know if anyone else has noticed this but one of the things that I loved the most about the earlier films was their sense of surprise, in a way that you're seeing something you've never seen in a movie before or everything is unexpected. I hate watching a film (and Nolan, though he's incredible, is super guilty of this, especially with dialogue) and feeling like I know exactly what a character is going to say next, or where the story is going, because to me it just feels sort of lazy and like the filmmaker isn't really trying. Whereas with films like Magnolia and Boogie Nights, even though they get the most flack for ripping off Scorsese/Altman/others, there wasn't a single moment where I wasn't totally enraptured and wondering wtf the next amazing thing would be. Even these little surprising moments like Daniel Plainview walking ahead of HW and then pausing to let him catch up, or just the ways the camera moves in Boogie Nights and makes you go "woah, I had no idea you could do that in a movie." I'm mainly really surprised at how many people like Inherent Vice. It's cool to see such varied opinions/reactions
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on April 29, 2020, 01:46:23 PM
Quibble we will (that's part of the fun), but I enjoyed this ranking.  I didn't object to his low-end, he caught me by surprise with his top pick, and I would only do some minor shuffling here and there with the rest.  I enjoyed his enthusiasm for all of the films.

Every Paul Thomas Anderson Movie Ranked from, uh, "Least Best" to "Most Best"
BY GREGORY LAWRENCE      APRIL 28, 2020

Paul Thomas Anderson has made eight films, and none of them are bad. Such a track record immediately puts Anderson in rarefied air. How many other directors can boast eight in a row with no misses? Kurosawa? Hitchcock? Scorsese? Anderson belongs to this company and thensome, his work bursting at the seams with emotion, invention, and a palpable love of the game.

Anderson's pure enthusiasm for cinema at times results in films and flourishes that wear their influences on their sleeves — the aforementioned Scorsese, Kubrick, Altman — but it's clear Anderson is no pastiche player. While running through his filmography, you can see the maestro figure out how to codify, crystallize, and synthesize all the tools at his disposal into a brand new style. And then, exactly halfway through his run, he reinvented himself and did it all over again, his back half of films feeling demonstrably different than his front half, the result of an artist continually interested in growing, maturing, figuring things out. Will he start a brand new "style" with film nine?

From his incisive screenplays, his virtuoso camerawork, his unparalleled understanding of the primal relationship between "image" and "sound," and his truly remarkable guidance with actors, Anderson proves time and time again what a pure film director he is. With all this in mind, here are Paul Thomas Anderson's movies ranked from, well, let's call it "least best" to "most best." Camera pushes in, Jon Brion's score swells, and here we go...

8. Inherent Vice
I don't think I've ever laughed harder at a movie I didn't fully understand than Inherent Vice, what I might consider Anderson's purest comedy. But I don't think "comprehension" is on the film's mind. Anderson had quite the task ahead of him when adapting Thomas Pynchon's novel — even though his book was considered one of his most accessible, Pynchon still has a deserved reputation for "not being accessible." And Anderson's screenplay, audaciously and respectfully, gives us pretty much no anchor to the specific world and wackadoo flourishes therein. Joaquin Phoenix plays Doc Sportello, a shaggy, stoned, burned-out private detective on a new case he understands maybe 2% more than his audience. The details of the case, and subsequently Anderson's plot, involve land developers, missing persons, and drug smuggling — but they all come second to this film's wonderful usage of texture, vibe, and comic imagination. Phoenix is delightfully endearing as a man trying his best continually finding new ends of the rope, and his supporting cast has the most fun possible getting in his way. Martin Short is more untethered than usual, Katherine Waterston simply commands the screen, and Josh Brolin truly shines as the deadpan comedy MVP. While regular Anderson DP Robert Elswit has toned down many of his hyperkinetic "Andersonisms," what he does capture strikes with its delicious color palette and surprisingly grainy stock. If you ever wanted The Big Lebowski to be 10 times sillier, 10 times grimier, and 10 times harder to understand, Inherent Vice is your new favorite midnight movie.

7. Hard Eight
The first of Anderson's hard eight, Hard Eight is a movie that loves being a movie. It's assured in every facet of its construction and composition, showing surprising patience that even rivals some of Anderson's later work, let alone the work of a first-time feature filmmaker. But it's also eager to flex. Anderson and Elswitt's visual collaboration begins in full force, with pushes and inserts and incredible Las Vegas backdrops all over the damn place. Anderson and Jon Brion's sonic collaboration (alongside co-composer Michael Penn) also gets its start, yielding a score with genuine menace and tantalizing invention. And Anderson the writer is clearly in love with his actors saying cool-ass "movie dialogue." Luckily, his actors are all down to clown, and more importantly, down to sell it without hard-selling it — you can feel their eagerness to play in this new talent's sandbox even as their performances lock in impressively lived-in, authentic zones. Philip Baker Hall owns the picture as Sydney (Anderson's original title), a consummate professional at the business of Las Vegas living. He takes a down-on-his-luck John C. Reilly (stellar) under his wing, mentoring him into something resembling an independent man, and a helluva gambler. But when a genre plot starts cooking (more than halfway through the thing! such patience!), involving soul-hardened prostitute Gwyneth Paltrow and tough-talking casino security Samuel L. Jackson, everything about Sydney's well-measured world threatens to unravel. The aim and scope of this film is designedly minor, and its depiction (and at times icky male gaze camerawork) of women is too stuck in "movie-world" to earn the nuanced evolution it needs, but Hard Eight still offers tons of cinematic panache and joy. Hot take: Anderson does Tarantino better than Tarantino here.

6. The Master
Containing some of the best performances Anderson will ever yield, The Master is a captivating, inscrutable, demanding-to-be-scrutinized film that yields richer rewards and more questions upon each watch. The elevator pitch version of the film is: Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of Anderson's best muses, is an L. Ron Hubbard surrogate, the leader of a Scientology-esque cult. Joaquin Phoenix is an adrift, troubled Navy vet looking for direction. And Phoenix joins Hoffman's crew, resulting in the psychological examinations of both. But to boil it down to such palatable essentials would be to ignore the film's primal, uncontrollable muckraking, its aimless-feeling aims (a merit, not a fault!). Phoenix's physical unpredictability here is matched only by his emotional volatility. His performance is commandingly watchable; the fact that he won the Oscar for Joker over this drives me cuckoo. He serves as the perfect foil for Hoffman, so eager to retain his buttoned-up humanity, but so clearly tickled by Phoenix's animalistic id. These two titans clash and waver, struggling to define what makes a self a self, struggling to either keep their inherent capacities for rage contained or unleashed. And through it all, Amy Adams sneakily steals the picture, her Peggy Dodd begins perhaps the only one who truly understands how to capture and retain power. The craft on this film staggers, with unreal 70mm photography from Mihai Mălaimare Jr. and sparse, chilling, woodwind-focused music from Jonny Greenwood. The Master will make you feel all kinds of unsettled after watching. You won't be sure why. But you'll know you need to find out.

5. Magnolia
An American epic, a sprawling dive into the deep end, a flurry of tones and flourishes, an absolute monster flex. Magnolia feels weirdly contemporary and clearly defined by 1999, the peerless cinematic year from which it sprung, marked by its bravura insistences that something new must eat everything old. Anderson's work here is like if Rube Goldberg got to control a shopping mall: Every single cinematic toy and device is given time to shine despite its first-blush counter-intuition. But wouldn't you know it, it all makes sense when put together as a puzzle. But it's not an intellectual exercise; in fact, Magnolia is arguably Anderson's most sentimental movie, a work that cuts its own heart out and wears it on both its sleeves and its pants for good measure. To narrow down the scope of Magnolia into a logline feels unhelpful, but my best stab is this: A series of Americans try their best. From John C. Reilly and Melora Walters' desperate attempts at connection beyond past sins, to Julianne Moore's desperate insistence to be seen and noticed, to Tom Cruise's desperate attempts to hide his inherent traumas and pains behind toxic bravado, to the other 18,000 incredible actors doing incredible, incredible work, Magnolia is a film of yearning, of grabbing something you can see desperately but just can't quite touch. By the time the film stops in its tracks for a surprising musical number, in which every character sings a line from a heartbreaking Aimee Mann tune, not only will you already be swept away by the film's designs to even register this as self-indulgent, you will be crying too hard to care.

4. Phantom Thread
A twisted, self-contained, thrilling, and dare I say loving chamber drama of the highest quality material. Phantom Thread is the perfect love story for filmgoers who hate love stories, a romantic comedy radiating with kinky energy, a warning of and love letter to obsessions gone amok. Daniel Day-Lewis is the beyond fastidious dressmaker, a craftsman who makes sterling pieces for his sterling clientele because of the stubborn way he arranges every detail of his life. And Vicky Krieps is the woman who's gonna fuck it all up. First seen working as a restaurant server, Day-Lewis is smitten with her from the moment she takes his very odd breakfast order. Krieps, smitten right back, happily inhabits his oddly incubated world. And the two subsequently tango and wrestle for control, power, order or chaos — all the while facing brittle pieces of uncomfortable truths from the always-professional Lesley Manville, Day-Lewis' sister (the absolute MVP of the film; I love every damn second of her don't give a heck attitude). The thing I love most about this film, even on rewatch, is how unpredictable yet inevitable the narrative thread takes us. Even if you think you know where it's going, you simply do not until it gets there. And once it does, boy howdy will you have a sticky smile on your face. Bonus points on this gem: No DP is formally credited, because Anderson just kinda did it himself! And it looks stunning! Unreal talent, this guy!

3. Boogie Nights
Goodfellas but with porn? Yes, and no. Boogie Nights unquestionably prays to the altar of Scorsese, from its "rags-to-riches-to-paranoid-corruption-of-the-human-soul" narrative, to its splendid camerawork (long takes in clubs, whip-pans and push-ins, etc.), to its epic, empathetic examination of folks we typically look at with disdain. But like the best cinema-makers who clearly love cinema, Anderson takes these touchstones as diving boards, not the whole pool. Mark Wahlberg, giving unquestionably his best performance to date, stars as "Dirk Diggler," really Eddie Adams, a young man blessed with a "huge gift" who becomes the country's biggest pornographic sensation under the tutelage of master filmmaker Burt Reynolds and a found family of performers and crew-members like Julianne Moore, Heather Graham, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and more. Anderson loves these characters deeply, to their raw nerves and souls, giving each performer ample opportunity to explore He also loves the business of filmmaking, pornographic and otherwise, inviting his audience to submerge themselves in the beautiful, optimistic, romantic, poetic facets of the craft and relationships forged (goodness, Hoffman is great at playing low-status in this). So when Anderson (and Macy, no spoilers) flip the switch into darkness, it feels less like a fun or exhilarating lightning bolt, and more like a painful, agonizing descent into a world these folks don't deserve (that "Sister Christian" sequence, I mean, my God). Boogie Nights is a movie thrilled to be here, an exuberant work that demands to be appreciated by its creator. No qualms here.

2. There Will Be Blood
In 2007, Anderson flipped into his "back four" filmmaking mode with a fearsome, fierce, slow-burn bang. Gone were the shiny, saturated, kinetic camera moves, ensemble casts of familiar faces, and even general sense of "love" and "optimism." In its place: Elswit still behind the camera, still shooting the hell out of it, but with an obviously "stiller" sense of pace. A cast anchored by a bonafide screen acting legend (Daniel Day-Lewis) and supported by actors who've never worked with Anderson. And an overview of the human race I would call "fucking bleak." With all of this change in his typical belt of tools, Anderson made an all-timer movie, one we'll dissect and debate for decades to come. There Will Be Blood, from Upton Sinclair's novel Oil!, stars Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, who will likely be the best character Anderson will ever create. He's an oil man, possessing a deep mustache and an instantly iconic vocal inflection. If the characters in Anderson's previous films represent everything good about America's id, Plainview is the snarling underbelly embedded in this nation's DNA. He's greedy, callous, consuming, powerful. Throughout the film, we see his single-minded worldview get tested, by his partner and son H.W. (Dillon Freasier) and by Eli Sunday (Paul Dano, also playing his twin brother), who both tries to take the moral high road with Plainview and then tries to chuck him in the muck when he needs to. And what is the inevitable conclusion for Plainview's journey, his crises of conscience? I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say this: Anderson's ending here is probably the best ending he'll ever craft, an utterly gut-punching sequence full of delirious, delicious dialogue and abrupt, irreversible actions. And it ain't exactly "nice." In 2007, this film lost Best Picture to No Country for Old Men — you ask me, those two titles should've been switched.

1. Punch-Drunk Love
"I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine."

This line of dialogue, spoken near the narrative conclusion of Punch-Drunk Love by Adam Sandler, sums up what's going on with every captivating Anderson protagonist. Sandler's Barry Egan, Plainview, Diggler — all of these and more are powered by a beyond-strong love (of a person, of consuming whatever's in front of them, of fucking, etc.) that gives them beyond-strong, nearly super powers. This line could also be applied to Anderson's success as a filmmaker — he loves his subjects, his worlds, his language of cinema so deeply that he can't help but render them with unmatched strength. For this clear, powerful, career-spanning thesis statement — and for like 18,000 other reasons — Punch-Drunk Love remains my favorite Anderson picture. An absolutely perfect object, this is.

Sandler's Barry is the inverse of his Uncut Gems character — a constantly beaten-down man who takes every blow dealt with him and internalizes it into emotionally self-facing admissions of defeat. Random crying episodes, pet obsessions with harebrained-seeming ideas, a group of sisters eager to emotionally terrorize him, desperate calls to phone sex hotlines — Barry needs a life vest, fast. And he finds one in the form of Emily Watson as Lena, a sweet, quiet, empathetic, and odd person herself. As the two realize that what they've been missing is each other, their love blooms into thrilling, unique sweetness — even as Philip Seymour Hoffman, giving an absolutely titanic performance as a mattress-sales-man-cum-phone-sex-hotline-owner-cum-criminal, closes his grip on Sandler in genuinely shocking moments of genre and violence. But while the forms of darkness will always threaten, love can, and will, give us strength, give us the tools to move forward, give us the tools to live.

And that's that, Mattress Man.

Source (https://collider.com/best-paul-thomas-anderson-movies-ranked/#inherent-vice)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: kingfan011 on April 29, 2020, 01:59:01 PM
I have this feeling that Phantom Thread is one of those films that will keep rising in estimation in years to come. I feel like that unlike something like The Master or Inherent Vice that's one that someone can discover and more easily get very passionate about.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on April 29, 2020, 02:58:29 PM
I think you're absolutely correct.  I've always felt that all of his films--but especially the "back four" (at this point) improve with time and rewatches.  My disdain-to-agnosticism about Inherent Vice is probably a prime example.

But having said that, I recently completed a Big Screen Rewatch over the past couple of years of all eight films, and I must say even the front four got better--which I would have doubted was possible for me.   
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jviness02 on April 29, 2020, 06:29:31 PM
I rewatched all of his films during the quarantine and have solidified new rankings for myself:

1. The Master
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Phantom Thread
4. Punch Drunk Love
5. Boogie Nights
6. Inherent Vice
7. Magnolia
8. Hard Eight

I would give 1-7 all 10/10. Hard Eight is still a solid 7.5ish.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 21, 2020, 03:13:04 PM
We haven't done this in awhile. Here's a poll currently going from the r/PaulThomasAnderson subreddit.

Source (https://strawpoll.com/71gadw7x4)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alethia on October 21, 2020, 04:40:28 PM
Voted for Vice.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on October 21, 2020, 05:55:14 PM
Traitor.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: WorldForgot on October 21, 2020, 05:57:30 PM
Quote from: eward on October 21, 2020, 04:40:28 PM
Voted for Vice.

Same. Obvi ~
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on January 02, 2021, 04:52:04 PM
https://youtu.be/Ieie1IA0_lE
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Yes on January 13, 2021, 03:07:25 AM
Changes daily since they're all so deeply personal and important to me for many reasons:

1. Boogie Nights
2. The Master
3. Magnolia
4. There Will Be Blood
5. Punch Drunk Love
6. Phantom Thread
7. Inherent Vice
8. Hard Eight

1 and 2 usually interchangeable. Same for 3 and 4. I feel Blood is the greater achievement all around but the audacity and emotion of Magnolia hits me harder. Rest seem right
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Find Your Magali on January 13, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
I've been there from the beginning. Am the same age as PTA, and so I think that's reflected in my rankings and how these films have affected me over the years.

I cannot judge quality or importance to film history, so I'll just rank them in favorite/what they mean to me....

PART OF MY INNER FIBER
1. Magnolia
2. Boogie Nights
----------
ALL UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT AND FULL OF WONDERS
3. Phantom Thread
4. Punch Drunk Love
5. The Master
----------
LESS REWARDING OR VITAL FOR ME; BETTER THAN 99% OF OTHER FILMS
6. There Will Be Blood
7. Hard Eight
8. Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Fuzzy Dunlop on January 14, 2021, 12:26:54 AM
Magnolia is and will always be my favorite film, the most important piece of work to me personally in any medium, because of the time it came along in my life and the impact it had on me creatively and just like as a person. And it still majorly holds up. So it's weird to not put it at the top. But I'm basing this list on a gut-instinct What are the best Paul Thomas Anderson movies? The top 5 are all straight up masterpieces, which means they move around in my rankings a lot, but here's where they stand today.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Phantom Thread
Magnolia
Boogie Nights
Punch Drunk Love
Sydney
Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Find Your Magali on April 25, 2021, 01:11:06 AM
Quote from: Find Your Magali on January 13, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
I've been there from the beginning. Am the same age as PTA, and so I think that's reflected in my rankings and how these films have affected me over the years.

I cannot judge quality or importance to film history, so I'll just rank them in favorite/what they mean to me....

PART OF MY INNER FIBER
1. Magnolia
2. Boogie Nights
----------
ALL UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT AND FULL OF WONDERS
3. Phantom Thread
4. Punch Drunk Love
5. The Master
----------
LESS REWARDING OR VITAL FOR ME; BETTER THAN 99% OF OTHER FILMS
6. There Will Be Blood
7. Hard Eight
8. Inherent Vice

OK, I'm already going back on this. Who the hell puts TWBB sixth?

PART OF MY INNER FIBER
1. Magnolia
2. Boogie Nights
----------
ALL UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT AND FULL OF WONDERS
3. Phantom Thread
4 (tie). The Master and There Will Be Blood
6.  Punch Drunk Love
----------
BETTER THAN 99% OF OTHER FILMS
7. Hard Eight
8. Inherent Vice
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: WorldForgot on April 25, 2021, 10:41:34 AM
Quote from: Fuzzy Dunlop on January 14, 2021, 12:26:54 AM

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Phantom Thread
Magnolia
Boogie Nights
Punch Drunk Love
Sydney
Inherent Vice

I don't say this to influence the ranking at all -- just wanted to remark that First Blush got me through a rocky poly break up earlier this year and that Inherent Vice iz a break-up balm of master-caliber for me. Obviously not quite a "romance" but the way it deals with a variety of doubts we can't control, and its central nostalgia for discovering chemistry - gah. One of those dayz, I guess.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on April 25, 2021, 01:58:01 PM
Quote from: Find Your Magali on April 25, 2021, 01:11:06 AM

PART OF MY INNER FIBER
1. Magnolia
2. Boogie Nights
----------
ALL UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT AND FULL OF WONDERS
3. Phantom Thread
4 (tie). The Master and There Will Be Blood
6.  Punch Drunk Love
----------
BETTER THAN 99% OF OTHER FILMS
7. Hard Eight
8. Inherent Vice

That's actually a pretty solid ranking.  (Which means, of course, it comes close to matching my own.)  I'd only swap 1 & 2, and bump PDL ahead of TWBB and PT.  I'm hoping SB is solidly in the mid-catagory.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: nomorecoffee on April 25, 2021, 02:02:44 PM
I like the format so I will give it a try:

PART OF MY INNER FIBER
1. The Master
2. Magnolia
----------
ALL UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT AND FULL OF WONDERS
3. There Will Be Blood
4  Phantom Thread
5. Punch Drunk Love
6. Inherent Vice
----------
BETTER THAN 99% OF OTHER FILMS
7. (tie) Hard Eight & Boogie Nights

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alma on April 26, 2021, 11:36:40 AM
Don't think I've done this yet.

1. Phantom Thread





2. Inherent Vice
3. Magnolia
4. The Master
5. Boogie Nights
6. Punch-Drunk Love
7. Hard Eight
8. There Will Be Blood
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: ono on May 02, 2021, 08:58:08 PM
So deep in the shit I can't really.  But...

MagMasterBloodThreadPunchVice
Boogie
Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Fuzzy Dunlop on May 03, 2021, 12:45:07 PM
Quote from: WorldForgot on April 25, 2021, 10:41:34 AM
I don't say this to influence the ranking at all -- just wanted to remark that First Blush got me through a rocky poly break up earlier this year and that Inherent Vice iz a break-up balm of master-caliber for me. Obviously not quite a "romance" but the way it deals with a variety of doubts we can't control, and its central nostalgia for discovering chemistry - gah. One of those dayz, I guess.

AHH I missed this earlier! I'm sorry to hear that, but it also makes me feel really good that you connected to First Blush that way, that's such a dream. And makes me feel like I did my job.

As far as ranking his breakup movies, I'm still going The Master #1 because that final scene between them is so perfect. Like, yes, we are cosmically fated to be together, but all the same, we absolutely can NOT be together anymore. That's a hard one.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alethia on May 03, 2021, 02:10:20 PM
It's okay, they meet again in the next life in Provo, Utah.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Freddie Dodd on May 30, 2021, 04:24:04 PM
1. Boogie Nights
2. The Master
3. Phantom Thread
4. Punch Drunk Love
5. There Will Be Blood
6. Inherent Vice
7. Hard Eight
8. Magnolia
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Find Your Magali on May 30, 2021, 07:49:38 PM
Is it fair to say Magnolia has become the most divisive film in PTA's ouevre, among PTA's fan? There doesn't seem to be much middle ground on it in assessments?
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on May 30, 2021, 09:28:37 PM
Magnolia or Vice, I would say.  Or is there more middle ground on Vice?  I like Magnolia more and more with every re-watch.  It's generally solidly my #2. 
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Robyn on May 31, 2021, 07:55:26 AM
I'd say there's a very vocal minority who loves Vice the most  :yabbse-grin:

Interesting enough, people who rank Magnolia high seems to have Vice low and vice versa. Make sense tho since Magnolia is his most PTA-feeling movie and Vice the least.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on May 31, 2021, 12:30:35 PM
Quote from: Robyn on May 31, 2021, 07:55:26 AM
Magnolia is his most PTA-feeling movie and Vice the least.

You've inadvertently articulated the reason Magnolia is always near the top and Vice always at the bottom for me:  complete emotional investment by me in the characters of the former, and a complete lack of same for the latter.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on May 31, 2021, 12:59:02 PM
I don't agree with that assertion at all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBhhQozUP2U
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on May 31, 2021, 01:01:33 PM
Oh, IV had it moments for me.  But my counter-response would be to post ALL of Magnolia...or Boogie Nights..or Punch-Drunk Love...
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on May 31, 2021, 01:05:05 PM
hyperbole is fine but the foundation of IV is romance and its overall narrative structure is a certain accomplishment whether it was successful or not. IV every bit feels like a PTA movie to me
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: pynchonikon on May 31, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
I could be wrong but I have the feeling that generally the old fans of his (since late '90s/early '00s) have warmer response to his early works (especially BN-Magn-PDL) than the newer fans who seem to prefer the post-TWBB era. Could it be just emotionalism? I dunno.

I have a particular friend who is a die-hard PTA fan for at least twenty years, he digs all of his movies, but every time I bring this discussion he claims that Magnolia will always be his favorite ("Of course he's evolved as an artist since those days and I respect that, he's still great, but my emotional bonding with Magnolia is unparalleled.")
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HoQTeMR4 on May 31, 2021, 01:15:38 PM
Well for me, Magnolia is number 1 and Inherent Vice is number 2. :)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on May 31, 2021, 01:30:51 PM
Quote from: pynchonikon on May 31, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
I could be wrong but I have the feeling that generally the old fans of his (since late '90s/early '00s) have warmer response to his early works (especially BN-Magn-PDL) than the newer fans who seem to prefer the post-TWBB era.

my emotional bonding with Magnolia is unparalleled.")

All true in my case.  The "Feels Trilogy" (BN,Mag,PDL) have always elicited the strongest emotional response from me.  Post PDL is more profound respect and appreciation.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alethia on May 31, 2021, 01:50:10 PM
Quote from: pynchonikon on May 31, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
I could be wrong but I have the feeling that generally the old fans of his (since late '90s/early '00s) have warmer response to his early works (especially BN-Magn-PDL) than the newer fans who seem to prefer the post-TWBB era. Could it be just emotionalism? I dunno.

I have a particular friend who is a die-hard PTA fan for at least twenty years, he digs all of his movies, but every time I bring this discussion he claims that Magnolia will always be his favorite ("Of course he's been evolved as an artist since those days and I respect that, he's still great, but my emotional bonding with Magnolia is unparalleled.")

I will always love Magnolia and never forget the seismic impact it had on me when I was younger, but I can look back now and easily see it as the most objectively flawed of any of his films, not that that necessarily diminishes its power. I'm most inclined to rank Master at #1 these days, even if Vice is probably my real favorite.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lewton on May 31, 2021, 02:33:24 PM
Quote from: pynchonikon on May 31, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
I could be wrong but I have the feeling that generally the old fans of his (since late '90s/early '00s) have warmer response to his early works (especially BN-Magn-PDL) than the newer fans who seem to prefer the post-TWBB era.

This is more or less accurate for me. My first viewing of a PTA movie was a rented DVD of PDL. Besides Sandler's involvement, I knew next to nothing about it prior to watching. I think this viewing occurred around the time it was first released on home video (anyone here own PDL on VHS, btw?). Hadn't seen anything like it, the style and tone was just fascinating, etc. Years later I saw the very first teaser trailer for TWBB, the one with the DDL voice over and the "Power in the Blood" hymn. The combination of those two things--seeing PDL and being intrigued by the TWBB teaser--solidified my interest in his filmmaking (not to mention finally seeing TWBB itself).

EDIT: Actually, after rereading your post I see that what I just wrote doesn't precisely match up with your idea. Anyway, my basic point is that I prefer PDL and the movies that followed it.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: pynchonikon on May 31, 2021, 02:56:21 PM
Concerning Inherent Vice, I can understand wilberfan's arguments about emotional investment (or other frequent objections in general) a bit, and I think that is due to Pynchon's writing style and PTA deciding to let heavy pynchonesque doses into the movie, attempting at the same time to add his own sensibilities (mainly the dramatic/melancholic elements which are more distinct in the film than in the book, at least for me) but with the biggest possible respect for the source material. The quirky story/characters weren't simply a basic concept to work with and expand (like TWBB), that's maybe why the final product seemed –or still seems- so peculiar for his standards at that point, even if imo it's a successful adaptation. I love it for what it is (in fact it's that film of his I've seen the most times).

[Not really relevant with this specific thread, I just wanted to express some thoughts]
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: jenkins on May 31, 2021, 03:27:42 PM
when I shed Pynchon from my perspective and look at the movie written/directed by PTA what I see is a clear intention to create a narrative that lacks a center and possesses a stray theme. it's a fully city-like narrative and its size always impresses me. I think within that there are certain traction problems and they were dealt with as best as they were
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Shughes on May 31, 2021, 08:21:49 PM
I've been a fan since early-ish - saw Boogie Nights first when released on VHS. I think Magnolia was the first PTA I saw in the cinema. For a LONG time Magnolia was my favourite film. I watched a 35mm print of it around 18 months ago trying to convince a friend of its greatness. He had seen it before, liked it fine, but thought it too long. It didn't hold up as well as I thought. It was still great to watch on the big screen, but its problems were magnified (in contrast to Boogie Nights, which gets better every time). My friend ended up liking it a little more after that screening, and I liked it a little less.

The Master is my number 1, very closely followed by TWBB.

I like IV a lot and enjoy it more with each viewing. It was slightly disappointing on first viewing, but I think that's because I wanted to see the film that the trailer was selling. With expectations adjusted IV falls somewhere in the middle for me. With the obvious caveat that PTA hasn't made a bad film.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Find Your Magali on June 01, 2021, 05:49:16 PM
Quote from: pynchonikon on May 31, 2021, 01:08:16 PM
I could be wrong but I have the feeling that generally the old fans of his (since late '90s/early '00s) have warmer response to his early works (especially BN-Magn-PDL) than the newer fans who seem to prefer the post-TWBB era. Could it be just emotionalism? I dunno.

I have a particular friend who is a die-hard PTA fan for at least twenty years, he digs all of his movies, but every time I bring this discussion he claims that Magnolia will always be his favorite ("Of course he's evolved as an artist since those days and I respect that, he's still great, but my emotional bonding with Magnolia is unparalleled.")

I am willing and capable of evolving alongside the director. Magnolia remains my favorite and, to me, its flaws are minor and insignificant. It's a monumental achievement.

That said, Phantom Thread (my second or third favorite movie of his) is objectively a better film than Magnolia. ....  Magnolia-era PTA could never have made Phantom Thread. Nor would Magnolia-era PTA have the patience for the long silences of The Master.

His evolution as a writer, director of actors, cinematographer is amazing to behold.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: WorldForgot on June 01, 2021, 09:23:36 PM
Quote from: Find Your Magali on June 01, 2021, 05:49:16 PM
His evolution as a writer, director of actors, cinematographer is amazing to behold.

Highkey.

And, to me, the last three PTA projects are singular.  Inherent Vice iz a masterwork of subculture via a city, American zeitgeist, and how lived-in culture reflects on screen. Magnolia and PDL may reveal more of Paul, but IV, The Master, Phantom Thread, (and Boogie, in its deft adoration of "crew"ing) are speaking tongues beyond the auteur, intra the medium.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Lewton on June 02, 2021, 03:25:25 PM
The hiatus between PDL and TWBB seemed like a real turning point. What was he thinking about, reading, watching at that time, I wonder? Besides TWBB research. My guess has always been that he really got into Malick's work but he never discusses him. Everything after that hiatus just seems considerably more mellow and yet weirder and richer, and I guess less desperate for the audience's admiration?

I don't mean "desperate" in a pejorative way, though. That desperation was part of the power of those earlier movies...like, the opening of Boogie Nights works so hard to grab the viewer by the lapels and it succeeds. Then the Master is just like...accidentally brushing past those lapels in a dazed way, and it may be his best movie.

There are also those bits like Joaquin saying "blah blah blah" while reading the newspaper early on in IV or Laura Dern's hurt expression after PSH's sudden blow-up near the end of The Master. These moments just seem like they could never have happened in the early days. Can't quite put my finger on it, but something about those examples have this unrehearsed, low-key, authentic energy to them. (His earlier movies were authentic of course, but just not in the same way)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Find Your Magali on June 02, 2021, 03:32:29 PM
Quote from: Lewton on June 02, 2021, 03:25:25 PM

There are also those bits like Joaquin saying "blah blah blah" while reading the newspaper early on in IV or Laura Dern's hurt expression after PSH's sudden blow-up near the end of The Master. These moments just seem like they could never have happened in the early days. Can't quite put my finger on it, but something about those examples have this unrehearsed, low-key, authentic energy to them. (His earlier movies were authentic of course, but just not in the same way)

The Julianne Moore subplot in Magnolia is the weakest. I wouldn't change a thing about the pharmacy scene, but I wonder how post-PDL Paul would have handled her scenes with the doctor and the lawyer.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 27, 2021, 04:58:14 PM
With the release of Licorice Pizza, Variety weighs-in.  (Quite an eclectic sequencing!)

Paul Thomas Anderson Films Ranked — From Worst to Best (https://variety.com/lists/paul-thomas-anderson-films-ranked-worst-best/)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Yes on November 27, 2021, 05:03:35 PM
PDL and The Master bottom 3 is asinine but hey, everyone has a PTA opinion. The AV Club I think it was had Phantom Thread #1 in their rankings which is also wild to me!
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on November 27, 2021, 05:05:00 PM
I didn't mind IV at the end (!!) and Magnolia at the top--but the rest was quite a jumble!  (We both had LP at #4, tho!)
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: d on November 28, 2021, 02:15:45 AM
Sorry but IV and The Master (!) at the very bottom, below Hard Eight is beyod ridiculous no matter what.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Jeremy Blackman on November 28, 2021, 02:21:41 AM
Quote from: d on November 28, 2021, 02:15:45 AMSorry but IV and The Master (!) at the very bottom, below Hard Eight is beyod ridiculous no matter what.

Agreed. I'm not the biggest fan of Inherent Vice, but putting anything below Hard Eight seems a bit silly. Hard Eight is obviously a good movie, but still... every other PTA feature is less of a prototype and more of a complete idea.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Montclair on November 29, 2021, 02:22:17 AM
My Rankings:

There Will Be Blood
Boogie Nights
The Master
Phantom Thread
Punch Drunk Love
Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Licorice Pizza
Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: ono on November 30, 2021, 06:30:32 PM
When 7 or 8 of 9 films in an auteur's canon are masterpieces, it's hard to rank them.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Magnolia
Phantom Thread
Punch-Drunk Love
Inherent Vice
Licorice Pizza
Boogie Nights
Hard Eight

It's still too soon to call LP.  I cracked and downloaded a bootleg because it sucks being a month behind the curve.  I'll still see it proper.  But for now I'll just say that's that and walk away.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on December 14, 2021, 12:27:25 PM
Havent seen LP yet but I recently reappraised my ranking. Basically everything but Hard Eight is some caliber of masterpiece, so I love them all for different reasons.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Inherent Vice
Phantom Thread
Punch-Drunk Love
Boogie Nights
Magnolia
Hard Eight

Who knows where LP will find itself. I'm sort of anticipating middle of the list but we'll see?
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Convael on December 15, 2021, 01:11:30 PM
There Will Be Blood
Magnolia
Boogie Nights
Punch Drunk Love
The Master
Phantom Thread
Hard Eight
Inherent Vice

IV was such a colossal misfire IMO and Phantom Thread was just kind of forgettable. Part of what I love the most about his films is obviously the story and acting but mainly the way that they genuinely amaze and surprise you, even if you've watched tons of films. I felt that the most in his early work and TWBB and would even say that they felt similar to religious experiences, but maybe that's just part of being young. There was little to nothing about IV or Phantom Thread that felt unique, and IV had a story that was weaker than even Hard Eight.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: RudyBlatnoyd on December 15, 2021, 03:00:22 PM
1. Inherent Vice
2. The Master
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Phantom Thread
5. Punch-Drunk Love
6. Magnolia
7. Boogie Nights
8. Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: max from fearless on December 21, 2021, 09:01:09 AM

1. Punch-Drunk Love
2. The Master
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Phantom Thread
5. Magnolia
6. Inherent Vice
7. Boogie Nights
8. Licorice Pizza
9. Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Robyn on April 13, 2022, 12:24:45 PM
Quote from: Robyn on October 23, 2017, 09:37:05 PM1. the master
2. there will be blood
3. magnolia
4. punch-drunk love
5. inherent vice
6. boogie nights
7. sydney

how I feel today:

1. The Master
2. There Will be Blood
3. Phantom Thread
4. Magnolia
5. Punch-Drunk Love
6. Boogie Nights
7. Inherent Vice
8. Sydney
9. Licorice Pizza
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: DickHardwood2022 on April 13, 2022, 02:38:10 PM
How i feel Today:

1. Licorice Pizza

2. The Master

3. Inherent Vice

4. Phantom Thread

5. Magnolia

6. There Will Be Blood

7. Punch-Drunk Love

8. Boogie Nights

9. Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HoQTeMR4 on April 13, 2022, 03:51:33 PM
Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Punch-Drunk Love
There Will Be Blood
Phantom Thread
The Master
Licorice Pizza
Boogie Nights
Sydney
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Alethia on April 13, 2022, 06:05:12 PM
⚓️🥃👻
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🎹🌴❤️
⛵️💔💨
🪡👗🍄
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🛢🎳✝️
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🎲🚬☕️

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: WorldForgot on April 13, 2022, 07:48:33 PM
Noice ~
So this iz what the future iz like  :yabbse-cool:

1 - Vicio propio
2 - Boogie Nights: juegos de placer
3 - Magnolia
4 - El hilo fantasma
5 - The Master: Todo hombre necesita un guía
6 - Petróleo sangriento
7 - Embriagado de amor
8 - Licorice Pizza (apparently its title in most (every?) languages!)
9 - Sydney: juego, prostitución y muerte
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drill on April 13, 2022, 08:07:23 PM
The Master
Punch-Drunk Love
Hard Eight
Phantom Thread
Inherent Vice
Boogie Nights
There Will Be Blood
Licorice Pizza
Magnolia

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on April 13, 2022, 10:02:07 PM
This represents "favorite" not "best". AKA "watched" or "rewatchability"

Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Jeremy Blackman on April 14, 2022, 12:42:12 AM
1. Magnolia
2. Punch-Drunk Love
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Boogie Nights
5. The Master
6. Phantom Thread
7. Inherent Vice
8. Hard Eight
9. Licorice Pizza
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: RudyBlatnoyd on April 14, 2022, 04:28:37 AM
For me, everything post-There Will Be Blood is lightyears beyond the early stuff (although I still like all of it):

1. Inherent Vice
2. The Master
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Phantom Thread
5. Licorice Pizza (after 1 viewing)
6. Boogie Nights
7. Punch-Drunk Love
8. Magnolia
9. Hard Eight


Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: pynchonikon on April 14, 2022, 05:01:37 AM
April 14 2022 Update

(5/5)

1. The Master
2. There will be Blood

(4.5/5)

3. Licorice Pizza
4. Phantom Thread

(4/5)

5. Inherent Vice
6. Boogie Nights
7. Punch-Drunk Love

(3.5/5)

8. Magnolia
9. Hard Eight
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Freddie Dodd on April 14, 2022, 10:57:35 AM
Quote from: Freddie Dodd on May 30, 2021, 04:24:04 PM1. Boogie Nights
2. The Master
3. Licorice Pizza
4. Phantom Thread
5. Punch Drunk Love
6. There Will Be Blood
7. Inherent Vice
8. Hard Eight
9. Magnolia

Updated
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Jeremy Blackman on April 14, 2022, 11:16:27 AM
Three in a row with Magnolia in the bottom two! Ouch.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: DickHardwood2022 on April 14, 2022, 02:00:31 PM
im mroe w
Quote from: Jeremy Blackman on April 14, 2022, 11:16:27 AMThree in a row with Magnolia in the bottom two! Ouch.
Quote from: Jeremy Blackman on April 14, 2022, 11:16:27 AMThree in a row with Magnolia in the bottom two! Ouch.

im more worried how low licorice pizza is on a alot of lists haha
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: max from fearless on April 16, 2022, 03:41:53 PM

1.The Master
2.There Will Be Blood
3.Punch Drunk Love
4.Phantom Thread
5.Magnolia
6.Boogie Nights
7.Hard Eight
8.Licorice Pizza
9.Inherent Vice


Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drenk on April 16, 2022, 04:34:39 PM
It's hard, I don't know what to do with Magnolia. It's not the best. It's one of my favorite. Let's see...

There Will Be Blood
The Master
Magnolia
Phantom Thread
Punch Drunk Love
Inherent Vice
Boogie Nights
Hard Eight
Licorice Pizza
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on April 16, 2022, 06:49:03 PM
Update to my pre-LP ranking.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Inherent Vice
Phantom Thread
Punch-Drunk Love
Boogie Nights
Magnolia
Licorice Pizza
Hard Eight

I like LP but I just don't have the same urge to binge-rewatch it like I do with the films at the top of the list.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: DickHardwood2022 on April 16, 2022, 06:53:07 PM
Quote from: HACKANUT on April 16, 2022, 06:49:03 PMUpdate to my pre-LP ranking.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Inherent Vice
Phantom Thread
Punch-Drunk Love
Boogie Nights
Magnolia
Licorice Pizza
Hard Eight

I like LP but I just don't have the same urge to binge-rewatch it like I do with the films at the top of the list.

Thats interesting because for me Licorice Pizza is his most rewatchable film
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on April 17, 2022, 07:26:04 AM
Quote from: DickHardwood2022 on April 16, 2022, 06:53:07 PM
Quote from: HACKANUT on April 16, 2022, 06:49:03 PMUpdate to my pre-LP ranking.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Inherent Vice
Phantom Thread
Punch-Drunk Love
Boogie Nights
Magnolia
Licorice Pizza
Hard Eight

I like LP but I just don't have the same urge to binge-rewatch it like I do with the films at the top of the list.

Thats interesting because for me Licorice Pizza is his most rewatchable film

It's tough because in terms of filmmaking craft LP is one of my favorites, but the story doesn't seem to have nearly as much to say as the others. Boy do I love looking at it tho. 
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: max from fearless on April 17, 2022, 08:54:24 AM
Quote from: HACKANUT on April 17, 2022, 07:26:04 AM
Quote from: DickHardwood2022 on April 16, 2022, 06:53:07 PM
Quote from: HACKANUT on April 16, 2022, 06:49:03 PMUpdate to my pre-LP ranking.

The Master
There Will Be Blood
Inherent Vice
Phantom Thread
Punch-Drunk Love
Boogie Nights
Magnolia
Licorice Pizza
Hard Eight

I like LP but I just don't have the same urge to binge-rewatch it like I do with the films at the top of the list.

Thats interesting because for me Licorice Pizza is his most rewatchable film

It's tough because in terms of filmmaking craft LP is one of my favorites, but the story doesn't seem to have nearly as much to say as the others. Boy do I love looking at it tho. 

THISSSSS!!!! LP looks, sounds incredible, the craft is unbelievable - but for me the script is nowhere near the others...recently took a look at a UHD of Phantom Thread, and I wish more and more that it got the same kind of awards push as LP. Its an absolute gem.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drenk on April 17, 2022, 02:45:57 PM
It had a decent campaign and, if I'm not mistaken, more nominations than LP—I thought he would get best screenplay for Thread.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Yes on April 17, 2022, 03:18:43 PM
I don't know, I think LP says quite a lot. What does, say, Thread even say other than making fun power play dynamics based on co-dependency?

Phantom Thread also was never a major Oscar contender. The Director and BP nom were major surprises on the morning and it still went onto miss Screenplay. It missed all of Globe, PGA, DGA, WGA, BAFTA--Licorice Pizza made them all. He was never coming close to getting any wins there. LP was his biggest chance.

This changes daily, probably changed from last post but right now:

1. The Master
2. Magnolia
3. Punch-Drunk Love
4. Boogie Nights
(If you ask me tomorrow, these probably switch).
5. Licorice Pizza
6. There Will Be Blood- impeachable film that "objectively" should be higher but not personally high on my list
7. Phantom Thread
8. Inherent Vice
9. Hard Eight

But I love/really like top 7 and would consider them 5 to 4.5 star films
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on April 17, 2022, 05:14:36 PM
Quote from: Yes on April 17, 2022, 03:18:43 PMI don't know, I think LP says quite a lot. What does, say, Thread even say other than making fun power play dynamics based on co-dependency?

I'm not saying LP doesn't say a lot, I just think it says less than the others I prefer. Simplifying PT's message doesn't make your counterpoint very effective, if I'm being honest.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Yes on April 17, 2022, 06:27:27 PM
Quote from: HACKANUT on April 17, 2022, 05:14:36 PM
Quote from: Yes on April 17, 2022, 03:18:43 PMI don't know, I think LP says quite a lot. What does, say, Thread even say other than making fun power play dynamics based on co-dependency?

I'm not saying LP doesn't say a lot, I just think it says less than the others I prefer. Simplifying PT's message doesn't make your counterpoint very effective, if I'm being honest.

I'm not simplifying it at all, I just think it's a more insular film, which it is. Not necessarily negative or detrimental, just the design, intent, and focus of the film. It's why PTA has mentioned he cut like 40 min from the original cut

Also, man, didn't you see LP like 5 times in theaters? Lol, that's a lot of rewatches!
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on April 17, 2022, 06:50:34 PM
Quote from: Yes on April 17, 2022, 06:27:27 PM
Quote from: HACKANUT on April 17, 2022, 05:14:36 PM
Quote from: Yes on April 17, 2022, 03:18:43 PMI don't know, I think LP says quite a lot. What does, say, Thread even say other than making fun power play dynamics based on co-dependency?

I'm not saying LP doesn't say a lot, I just think it says less than the others I prefer. Simplifying PT's message doesn't make your counterpoint very effective, if I'm being honest.

I'm not simplifying it at all, I just think it's a more insular film, which it is. Not necessarily negative or detrimental, just the design, intent, and focus of the film. It's why PTA has mentioned he cut like 40 min from the original cut

Also, man, didn't you see LP like 5 times in theaters? Lol, that's a lot of rewatches!

Again, not saying I dislike LP. I love the movie! But 5 rewatches compared to literally ~50 of Master and at least 30 for IV is where I'm coming from.
I kinda feel like I've rung everything I can from LP. I'm sure there's more in there, but I'm not very motivated to dig at the moment. Meanwhile I STILL can't pin down The Master. That's my high water mark I guess.

The 40 mins cut from Thread seems to come from him thinking the script needed all the peripheral stuff that LP ended up later wearing on its sleeve, and then realizing it wasn't needed in the edit. They are both very insular, small films. One gets there by staying small and one gets there by casting the net wide around its small core.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Yes on April 17, 2022, 07:04:40 PM
Licorice Pizza is a mosaic about the passage of time and how business/politics/cultural codes of era influence two lost souls to manipulate that time to meet each other in various stages of stagnancy as a means of catharsis and coping. But the sad irony of the piece is how these moments of catharsis are not everlasting. I don't think it's a very small film. Yeah, it's not There Will Be Blood but it is epic in different ways.

Phantom Thread is, however, just much smaller, more intimate with a lot of Woodcock and Alma's reconciling and depth spawned from more internal factors such as family and repression. There's the Barbara Rose thing and some snide, racist remarks towards Alma at the dinner party, but I don't really think it's doing much politically or socially. Nor does it aim to. It even has an apathy to fashion industry in general, focusing more on smaller projects without a big picture emphasis

I like these movies. I'm just speaking about why I have LP ahead of PT. And as much as I love PT, I do think it's a thinner flm and an occasion when the "meandering" complaints actually apply, while I think the context and looseness of LP justifies its more as they're young characters in stasis
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: wilberfan on April 17, 2022, 11:00:25 PM
The results as of today.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: HACKANUT on April 18, 2022, 09:12:14 AM
Quote from: wilberfan on April 17, 2022, 11:00:25 PMThe results as of today.

Of course any ranking is correct, but this is a nice looking list!
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: ono on April 18, 2022, 05:58:58 PM
As I said in Discord, I mostly agree with this except switch PDL and Magnolia.  Was surprised at esteem for PDL and falling of Magnolia.  GJ Xixax hive mind.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: FloydGondolli on May 11, 2022, 03:08:18 PM
The Master
Boogie Nights
Punch Drunk love
Licorice Pizza
There Will Be Blood
Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Hard Eight
Phantom Thread
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: DickHardwood2022 on May 11, 2022, 07:13:01 PM
Quote from: FloydGondolli on May 11, 2022, 03:08:18 PMThe Master
Boogie Nights
Punch Drunk love
Licorice Pizza
There Will Be Blood
Magnolia
Inherent Vice
Hard Eight
Phantom Thread

That Phantom Thread placement hurts me  :yabbse-sad:
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: martinthewarrior on May 12, 2022, 06:15:49 PM
1. Phantom Thread
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Inherent Vice
4. The Master
5. Boogie Nights
6. Licorice Pizza
7. Punch Drunk Love
8. Hard Eight
9. Magnolia
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drill on May 12, 2022, 08:10:22 PM
Quote from: martinthewarrior on May 12, 2022, 06:15:49 PM1. Phantom Thread
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Inherent Vice
4. The Master
5. Boogie Nights
6. Licorice Pizza
7. Punch Drunk Love
8. Hard Eight
9. Magnolia

Can you tell us now what you had heard about his last film, since your hints weren't really what ended up as LP. Was it that other script he said he had been writing? Who was going to star in it?
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: martinthewarrior on May 12, 2022, 10:51:58 PM
Seems like a long gestating 40's (I think) jazz movie. but I'll ask a couple people.
Title: Re: how would you rank his films so far?
Post by: Drill on May 14, 2022, 11:21:20 AM
Quote from: martinthewarrior on May 12, 2022, 10:51:58 PMSeems like a long gestating 40's (I think) jazz movie. but I'll ask a couple people.

Great. And I'm assuming that Denzel was the actor you were hinting at? Or was that a more recent development?