Five great streaming movies directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

We can consider Paul Thomas Anderson the most important auteur of contemporary American cinema? The hypothesis is certainly not implausible. Since its inception Sydney, arrived in the mid-90s, the filmmaker has gathered together a series of cult titles conceived and created demonstrating a versatility that probably no other American director possesses today, made explicit through an approach to staging that is always perfectly consistent with the story and characters. Well today Paul Thomas Anderson turns 53 and we want to pay homage to him with what we consider his best film in streaming. Enjoy the reading.

Five great streaming movies directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

• Magnolia
• Drunk on love
• The oilman
• The hidden thread
• Licorice Pizza

Magnolia (1989)

The almost three-hour ensemble film that looks at Robert Altman’s cinema and reworks it according to his own, very personal poetics, gives Anderson the Golden Bear in Berlin and the second Oscar nomination for best screenplay after the one won thanks to Boogie Nights. Magnolia turns out to be a fascinating human and narrative puzzle, staged with visceral power, masterfully interpreted by great actors such as Jason Robards Jr., John C. Reilly, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Philip Baker Hall it’s a Tom Cruise sharp and terrifying, which comes to graze the statuette as a supporting character. Fresco of a crazy and vital America. With a surprising biblical ending. Beautiful movie. Available on CHILI, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, NOW.

Drunk in Love (2002)

Anderson’s first romantic comedy stars a Adam Sandler poetic and totally inspired, a small businessman who has to overcome his own personal problems to fully love a sweetheart Emily Watson. Among them is the villain extraordinaire Philip Seymour Hoffman. Story-wise Drunk on love it is very simple, linear and suave. In terms of direction, however, it is a small treatise on how this genre can be both classic and post-modern. And in fact in Cannes the film is awarded for directing. “Small” but precious. Available on CHILI, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

The Oilman (2007)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s most acclaimed film is an incredible adaptation from Oli! by Upton Sinclair. The stylization of vision reaches unheard-of levels in this oil-black drama, creating an impeccable aesthetic. The physical and mental duel between a Daniel Day-Lewis from Oscar and Paul Dano truly inspired becomes brutal, violent and paradigmatic. The oilman represents one of the highest and most powerful points of the entire stars and stripes cinematography of the last twenty years. Oscar also for photography. Essential title. Available on CHILI, Google Play, NetflixAmazon Prime video, NOW, Paramount +.

The Hidden Thread (2017)

The psychological drama that still stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Kriepsseconded by a magnificent Lesley Manvillescene after scene becomes a game of psychological massacre of exciting subtlety, a refined and persuasive duel. The hidden thread offers a new version of Paul Thomas Anderson, more poised and attentive to detail, a mosaic of “silent” environments and characters who instead whisper their emotions, at least until they burst out screaming. Intense, multifaceted film, brutal in its own way. Available on Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

Licorice Pizza (2021)

The cross-section of an era made up of freedom and inspiration, where a teenager who isn’t afraid of the future falls in love with a girl who is dying for it. Cooper Hoffman e Alan Haim are inspired and loving protagonists of Licorice Pizza, a film of overwhelming feelings, crazy and bizarre Los Angeles adventures, shot and edited with an incredible love for life. Very true psychology, human and perfectible characters, funny and tragic situations together. Great for support Bradley Cooperwith a cameo by Sean Penn e Tom Waits. Oscar nominations for film, direction and screenplay. You deserve it. Available on Google Play, Apple ItunesAmazon Prime Video.