Paul Thomas Anderson’s Ambitious New Film
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest project, One Battle After Another, marks his most expensive film yet. Similar to his previous works like There Will Be Blood and The Master, it was crafted using Microsoft Word. The 55-year-old director humorously acknowledges his reliance on the software during a phone interview from Los Angeles, saying, “It’s stubbornness. It makes no sense. It’s an addiction that’s really unhealthy.”
Old-School Approach to Screenwriting
Anderson enjoys the traditional feel of writing with Microsoft Word, comparing it to using a typewriter. He appreciates the tactile process of typing character names and using tabs, suggesting this method encourages deeper contemplation about dialogue. “Exactly. It’s those hiccups you have to do,” he says of the challenges faced when using the program.
Decades in the Making
For the past 20 years, Anderson has been refining One Battle After Another, ultimately condensing a 600-page draft, which he humorously notes was largely unnecessary. The film, filled with high-stakes action scenes, comes with a hefty price tag of $150 million, equating to the combined cost of his previous five films, yet retains the unique, quirky elements his audiences expect.
Returning Collaborators
Anderson reflects on the production, revealing it felt similar to his earlier works. With a close-knit team of 15 familiar faces and a shooting schedule reminiscent of Magnolia, he remains grounded regardless of the film’s scale. The narrative follows a radical group, focusing on characters Bob Ferguson and Perfidia, whose romance is interwoven with revolutionary chaos.
Modern Elements
This film also introduces modern technology, particularly smartphones, which play a critical role in the plot. Anderson highlights the tension this creates when a character possesses a secret phone, echoing contemporary concerns about privacy and safety.
Inspired by Today’s Youth
In crafting the character of Willa, Anderson draws inspiration from the current generation, especially young women of color. He describes his decision process and the significant pressure he felt to find the right actress, ultimately leading him to Chase Infiniti, who he regards as essential to the film’s dynamic.
Future of Anderson’s Filmmaking
Despite his humorous grievances with Microsoft Word, Anderson acknowledges the software’s central role in his creative process, admitting, “I probably could have made five more movies by now if I didn’t spend so much time fucking around with stupid Microsoft Word.” One Battle After Another is set to premiere in cinemas on September 26.
