forbes.com
Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another": A 20-Year Vision Takes Shape
Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a thriller inspired by Thomas Pynchon's "Vineland," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, opens in theaters September 26, 2025, following a 20-year development process.
- How did the collaborative process, particularly with the actors and the composer, contribute to the film's final product?
- The director fostered a collaborative atmosphere, involving actors in improvisational workshops that shaped character development and relationships. The composer, Johnny Greenwood, was involved early, providing music that influenced the film's tone and pacing, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
- What are the main themes and narrative structure of "One Battle After Another," and what is its unique cinematic approach?
- The film centers on a washed-up revolutionary (DiCaprio) reconnecting with his estranged daughter (Infiniti) while battling a resurfaced nemesis (Penn). It blends human drama, family conflict, and action, using a non-utopian setting and showcasing improvisation and happy accidents during filming.
- What are the potential critical and commercial implications of "One Battle After Another" given its unique creative process and ensemble cast?
- The film's long gestation, A-list cast, and unique creative approach suggest significant awards buzz and potential commercial success. The unconventional development and focus on improvisation may contribute to critical acclaim, while the thriller elements and star power should attract a broad audience.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive framing of the film, focusing on the creative process, cast interviews, and positive critical reception. While it mentions challenges, it emphasizes the overall positive experience and the film's potential for success. The headline, while descriptive, could be seen as leaning slightly positive by highlighting the happy accidents and positive critical buzz. The focus on DiCaprio and Anderson's perspectives might overshadow other viewpoints.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive, employing quotes from the filmmakers and actors. However, phrases like "happy accidents" and "phenomenal job" carry a slightly positive connotation. The description of DiCaprio's character as "washed-up, permanently stoned and paranoid" could be perceived as loaded, although it's arguably accurate within the context of the film.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the production and creative process, but it omits details about the film's plot beyond a general summary. It also doesn't delve into potential criticisms or controversies surrounding the film, which might affect a balanced understanding. The lack of diverse perspectives beyond the primary cast and crew could be considered an omission.
Gender Bias
The article features a fairly balanced representation of genders among the cast and crew mentioned. While female actors are discussed, the focus remains on their contributions to the film's creative process, rather than focusing on their appearance or personal lives. However, more specific details on the roles and contributions of women involved behind the scenes would strengthen the article's gender balance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie explores themes of generational gaps and family dysfunction, indirectly touching upon societal inequalities. The characters