Paul Thomas Anderson | Visual Literacy

[@TheGoodfella2012]

The opening scene in Punch-Drunk Love is forever etched in my mind. I remember the very first time and thinking it was unusually beautiful. Paul Thomas Anderson is in a league of his own.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Vinayaka Agreed!

[@indymogul]

One of my favorite films. Excellent work!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks Indy Mogul! Your channel rocks.

[@bordem4090]

3:40 - the pictures on the walls, Barry is all alone on one side, while the other sisters are together on the other side. The broken glass is only around Barry, and the party balloons are only visible on the side with the sisters.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Love it.

[@24FramesOfNick]

Even though I haven't watched enough Paul Thomas films as I should I was incredibly interested throughout this whole video. Amazing work

[@smokeylonesome4328]

You’ve seen Boogie Nights, right?

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Go watch some PTA!

[@TheDiscardedImage]

Nice! Punch-Drunk Love was such a key film for me growing up. I think I watched it every day for a week. Though you still highlighted a lot I hadn't thought about. Although it's considered minor in comparison to his other films, it was the first time he seemed to fully escape his primary influences and make something truly idiosyncratic. As well as taking all that wild, chaotic energy from earlier films and honing it, which he would do more and more later.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks for your kind comment! I love the weird energy of PDL and how PTA was able to tell a tight story compared to his other works which always seem to be 2.5 hours long. I think it's his most unique film from the rest.

[@KindredPlagiarist]

Hey, are either of you guys on letterboxd? I like both your videos and I'd love to see shorter write ups and opinions from you, or even just see what you're watching.

[@nickrolser]

I always felt that the particular shade of blue he wears not only conveys sadness but the character's attempt at appearing presentable. One of the themes of Punch Drunk Love seems to revolve around the discomfort of not being able to be yourself. It's as if the color just shouts, "Please, accept me!".

[@EntertainTheElk]

Totally agree!

[@daniel_netzel]

Not sure why this doesn't have more views, great video man. That scene in particular is fantastic, like the audiovisual equivalent of a panic attack.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Film Radar Thanks buddy. KZbin is weird. It’s a shame when you’re really proud of a video and no one watches it. :/ Hopefully it’ll have legs and views will come later.

[@Thechewgar]

Dude the soundtrack gets me in my feelings.

[@kierans5583]

Paul Thomas Anderson is the closest we'll get to another Stanley Kubrick. Legendary filmmaker.

[@evanpeltier]

Him and Noah Hawley, creator of Fargo and Legion tv series'. If you have not seen the first season of Legion or the second season of Fargo, WATCH THEM! Both are television masterpieces.

[@Th0tSlAyErIII]

@@evanpeltier Are you disregarding Martin Scorsese or referring to modern directors only?

[@evanpeltier]

@@Th0tSlAyErIII I have seen alot of great movies. I love Scorsese, I love David Lynch, David Lean, The Coen Brothers, Andrei Tarkovsky, Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, and all the other greats. I wasn't disregarding anyone. I was just saying that I like Noah Hawley's work.

[@jlewis3774]

I think a better comparison is Scorsese.

[@samiritbanik1504]

Scorsese and PTA

[@luisurena9955]

I watched this movie for the first time yesterday, and it was super innovative with the cinematography and screenplay.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Blue is the color of trust. It gives off the feeling of being calm, serenity and peace. It inspires confidence and inspires the feeling of loyalty, integrity responsibility. Somehow over the years, the color got construed to mean sadness, when it essentially means the opposite.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I like that! Thanks, Jared.

[@peppy619]

Punch Drunk Love is one of my favorite movies, it has Adam Sandler using all his talents! xD

[@EntertainTheElk]

He's a good actor when he gives a damn. :)

[@JoseMartinez-fg2xp]

Love the way you put the warm colors and Cold colors and when they can be implied onto filmmaking

[@SnapperChannel]

Punch-Drunk Love is a very weird movie, but I think the weirdnesss makes it a masterclass in filmmaking,

[@Gill_consumes]

I've always been fascinated with film-design and especially how the sceens are shot. This video is really, really interesting. I have to say, I really appreciate the work you put into these videos! keep up the great work my friend

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. :)

[@bobo42024]

I love that guys like you break down movies like this. Amazing.

[@MurryScurry]

This was already one of my favorite movies and you just made it that much better!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mlrestrepo7093]

I saw this after watching uncut gems and it's got a lot of the same hectic feeling

[@adamkoyn792]

This is a perfect example of Paul's artwork. A lot of people just say, "Wow! He got a great performance out of Adam Sandler." Okay, fair enough, but there is no one like PTA. He just... well, I know quite a bit about music, acting, photography, etc, and I will still always be marveled by Punch-Drunk Love. A true masterpiece of cinema. We are approaching 20 years and I still have no clue how Paul pulled off this shit

[@geordangullock1237]

Wow, no wonder I feel on edge when I watching this film haha. Such a brilliantly directed movie, great essay too!

[@robertabize]

Great video! About the score, I always thought it helps to get into the character's mind. It's chaotic and stressing just like what it feels to be self conscious and anxious all the time.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Exactly right!

[@danavanrensselaer8134]

One of my favorite films by one of my favorite artists. This video was incredible. Thank you! So glad I found your page!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Awesome! Thanks, Dana. :)

[@lewisharwood3870]

You continue to inspire me to write again.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much! :)

[@theapologytourpodcast]

Such a great video! I love the indepth breakdown of visual language when it comes to cinematography. And great editing!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! :)

[@kalashnikov1997]

This is a great video. It's one of the few videos about visual storytelling that are actually useful for aspiring filmmakers. Thank you very much.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!

[@africanultra271]

I had never watched a P T Anderson movie I didn't even know much about him.Their will be blood was my first and I fell in love at first sight. I wanted to get everything he has ever done and watch it.

[@TheCousinEddie]

Really nice job! I'm a huge movie fan but lack the analytical insight to deconstruct a film as well as you have done here. Your explanations gives so much more depth to each scene and I find I have a deeper appreciation for the diretor's hard work and artistic talent. I look forward to more of your wonderful videos!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the kind comment.

[@waseem9001]

Wow, one of my favorite films of all time, this in depth analysis is marvelous! Well done !

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@maxinew4011]

Super in love with this movie, thanks for the video

[@EntertainTheElk]

Glad you liked it!

[@jokil55]

I dont usually leave a comment, but I just came across to your channel and it gave me much inspiration, how to go with a story i am working on! Looking for more of these learning videos, they are great! Keep up the good work man

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow, thank you so much! Really glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@vaughancapstick9961]

Nice work. Thank you. Regarding colours and their significance to each character your scenes showing Barry in blue and his future love in shades of red - Barry's sister wears a combination of the two, maroon and pale blue, thus acting as a go between, blending the two into one. Significantly stood between the romeo and his juliet acting as bridge or palette where the colours can swim together. 🤔

[@dayseamaraldias9133]

thank you for the video! it was awesome to watched it!

[@EntertainTheElk]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching/commenting. :)

[@shogunblade]

This is absolutely fantastic. I must admit I'm a bit jealous as I wish I could have made this (I've analyzed that 1st scene before but never in the way you have). You have earned yourself a subscriber, this is gold and I love this video!

[@dearsomeone]

Great stuff!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!

[@ElwoodDowd]

Really enjoyed this, and love the movie. Small note, none of the shots labeled XCU are Extreme Close Ups.

[@Beforethecredits]

Great video Elk. I really enjoyed it. I should watch some more of PT Anderson's work.

[@stevef4010]

This was my least favorite of PTA films. . Love Inherent vice (tales several viewings and insights to appreciate the subtle layers, which most people would never pick up on) and There will be blood, The Master then Magnolia.

[@Beforethecredits]

Interesting, I actually liked Punch Drunk Love. So if it is the worst to you, the other have potential.

[@stevef4010]

I liked it, just didn't love it as much as his others. I think my expectations were high based on what some people said (but then I read the Superman theory and while it fits, it's really corny if that is the premise or subplot). TWBB is a masterpiece for most audiences. The others are too for select audiences. I've watched Inherent Vice at least 6 times, because there's always something else to be picked up on. Literally ever word has meaning , like a Kubrick film. No noise/wasted dialogue...but it's a sleeper the first viewing....but it kinda started to come together for me at the end and I immediately started over at the beginning. Now I also see the really funny humor, but it's not LOL humor. You need a little background on the CIA, Mormons, MKUltra, cults, 70s pysops, Noir, drug running conspiracy to really sink your teeth into it. I need to read the book too, but apparently it's pretty faithful. It's a hippy/stoner noir (aka Chinatown, The Big Sleep, the long goodbye)...thinks unfold very slow and your watching it in a haze of weed and drugs and it makes no sense til later on (first viewing). A lot of people hated it. My GF quit after 20 min. I didn't blame her, but in hindsight I'm so happy I persevered.

[@smokeylonesome4328]

There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, Inherent Vice, haven’t seen Hard Eight, need to rewatch The Master.

[@smokeylonesome4328]

+Steve F.- If you’re so good at paying attention to detail, try some David Lynch films (if you already haven’t. A true master of his craft.

[@travischarlebois4674]

this is your best video elk

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow thank you so much!

[@cullenfenoughty2273]

Fantastic, utterly fantastic

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much!

[@uphillracer]

I love this video. Could you do a part two where you point out some more, from maybe another film?

[@EntertainTheElk]

I’d love that too!

[@Yoseqlo1]

You opened my eyes to a new perspective that I didn't knew existed, thanks for that.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@sketchbookscheming]

Loved this educational video! Love PTA.

[@samcarter7731]

Not sure How I ended up here. But my mind is blown. Subscribed.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yes! Glad to have you on board. :)

[@Sanjuro313]

Eye-opening as always, Thanks!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Sanjuro313 You’re welcome! :)

[@mittenstheninja626]

Great job man, this video earned you a sub Honestly there's never really been a channel that's made me actually whip out a pen and start taking notes, but I've been watching all your videos and writing down some really useful stuff. This one's for sure a new favorite of mine. Definitely going to try and apply some of this critical thinking to the movies I watch in the future. Thanks for the cool content!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow, that's awesome! So glad you're enjoying the channel. Thanks for subscribing and coming on board. :)

[@joseph.r1122]

Loved this film, and love me some PTA. Great video essay. Thank you for this.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

What a beautiful video edsay

[@acadia5898]

Thats the word that i've been trying to find !!! Visual literacy. Thank you.

[@EntertainTheElk]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@HDCE-nv1uy]

Just watched this minutes ago. Great film.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Great timing! :)

[@chrisperry7963]

Thanks for this, great job. I adore this movie.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you! So glad that you enjoyed it.

[@embraceyourlazy4651]

Great video as always. PTA is def a modern day master although he has a trademark visual style he is often more subtle than other contemporary masters which always attracts me to him

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you! PTA is indeed a modern day true auteur. Not many directors like him.

[@kipandrew1200]

Wow unexpectedly awesome video which helped reinvigorate my love for film and analyzing it!! Thanks!

[@kylelundy802]

“And lots of pudding. Yeah, it’s a weird movie” Magnolia has frogs falling from the sky.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Magnolia had a crazy ending, but it was pretty standard before that. Lots of eccentric characters but a pretty straight story of interwoven lives.

[@Thespeedrap]

There will be blood has oil look like chocolate milkshakes😋

[@marisuarez88]

Loved it! Thanks.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Marisabel Suárez Awesome!

[@realrecognisereviews]

Great Video PTA is one of my favourite filmmakers, my rankings for his films: 1. There Will Be Blood. - 10/10 2. The Master. - 9/10 3. Magnolia. - 9/10 4. Punch-Drunk Love. - 9/10 5. Phantom Thread. - 9/10 6. Inherent Vice. - 8/10 7. Boogie Nights. - 8/10 8. Hard Eight. - 7/10

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! Good list. Though I'd personally drop Inherent Vice way down and bring Boogie Nights way up. :)

[@joshtoomes870]

you're mean on the rankings aha, I'd give most of them a 10

[@displayname8848]

This is awesome! You should do a visual literacy series.

[@EntertainTheElk]

That's an awesome idea!

[@tonywords6713]

my favorite PTA film. The Master and Inherent Vice are excellent also

[@EntertainTheElk]

Mr. Way Mine are Boogie Nights and TWBB. Speaks to how great a filmmaker he is that many people have differing favs.

[@tonywords6713]

Entertain The Elk right! says a lot about the person too, which film is their favorite. same goes for Kubrick. I just feel like The Master is so misunderstood and underappreciated, such a beautiful and layered experience.

[@tonywords6713]

Entertain The Elk watch it on Entheogens and it will make you cry, its such a trancelike, strange experience. Very transcendent. Makes sense he made Junun and Inherent Vice, weird culty spooky shit. The Charles Fort and Freemason references in Magnolia... Theres a whole unseen world of depth and intelligence to his films :)

[@theoisgod7201]

Great video as always man!! I as well think PTA is the best living director, can’t wait for Phantom Thread

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! Yeah, I have high hopes for Phantom Thread. Is there anyway it can be as good as the last collaboration between PTA and DDL though?

[@theoisgod7201]

Entertain The Elk At the least it’ll probably be an interesting character study, at this point I expect that from PTA

[@atrijitdas1704]

This was great. Maybe turn this into a series?? Visual Literacy: any movie scene you might have something interesting to say about [Also, it's not a harmonium. I think Barry even corrects someone about that in the movie.haha]

[@EntertainTheElk]

I series could be cool! I think characters call it a piano and he corrects them and tells them it's a harmonium.

[@atrijitdas1704]

Entertain The Elk oh shoot you're right. Well this obviously means I need watch this amazing film again

[@SymonSaysTV]

Good job! Like PTA too. And PDL is one of my fav of him.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!!

[@smithen85]

Great video. I really enjoy it. Gretings from Argentina

[@EntertainTheElk]

smithen85 Thank you!

[@shahabzafarmehrabian9430]

great video man i am looking forward to more videos

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!

[@ritual301]

Great vid. Surprised you didn't use any of There Will Be Blood. Some great camera work in that one, as well. As in all of PTA's masterworks. Enjoyed your vid. Thanks!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Totally. Boogie Nights too. Thanks!

[@nathanpohl5396]

Xmas can't get here soon enuf for Phantom Thread and DDLs final (lol, we shall see) film. Great vid. Thanks, elk

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much! I definitely have high hopes for Phantom Thread. Would be truly sad if DDL retired, but I feel like he retires after every movie, and then something sparks his interest and brings him back out again.

[@dylangill4927]

Cool video, little reductive for anyone with visual literacy already, though I guess it's probably not for us. Didn't notice the phone on top of the harmonium, really cool. Also the two shot of him and his sister is not an XCU, i'd say it's a medium two shot, when I think XCU I think a face filling a frame, usually chest up is a medium. Never the less cool video.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks for watching!

[@horizon92lee]

Great analysis

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much!

[@TheDavan619]

Little note: 6:15 This shot is not an XCU. It's a CU but not any closer. Great video though! Especially the visualization elements on-screen really appealed to me. :)

[@EntertainTheElk]

TheDavan619 Thanks!

[@joeclifford2896]

Great video mate, will be looking forward to the south park video!

[@EntertainTheElk]

The Chef Thanks so much!!

[@Women_Rock]

Finally a movie where Adam Sandler is talented after SNL. Thank you my genius, PTA.

[@LelouchLothric]

Love your videos ❤

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much!

[@carolinanulatienpo6573]

I loved this

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much! :)

[@shreyamarar1585]

Beautiful video.

[@joelperez5891]

So good!

[@Shakenmike117]

This movie made me feel more uncomfortable than most horror movies

[@ayubnor0]

Great work.

[@delrey874]

PTA's films are always of high quality in terms of shot composition, camera angles, camera work, lighting, shading, color, editing, tempo, tone, tension, and color grading.

[@aidangillard2041]

Amazing video!! Subcribed

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much! Glad to have you on board.

[@pkkthetiger]

Elk, what about a 5 second soundtrack for baby driver? Film practically begs for it.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Good call. I did one on Edgar Wright's other films if you haven't already seen it. :)

[@pkkthetiger]

Yeah i saw it, thanks for replying.

[@joaquinorellana7987]

from what documentary is the clip of scorsese? at 1:27 ?

[@oldirtygamer]

Thank you

[@EntertainTheElk]

You're welcome. :)

[@carolinerozali8030]

I always learn something from your video.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Awesome!!! :)

[@PRPHDP]

Best version of extreme couponing

[@Nkanyiso_K]

*Damn man, this is So Cool. I wish I'd figured this out myself*

[@EntertainTheElk]

Nkanyiso Innocent Khwane Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@briand.wright4333]

Love this video! Great work all the way around. PTA is my favorite filmaker maybe of all times. Inherent Vice just didn’t get. Maybe you could do a study on it and help me want to see it again. I know The Master was hard the first time but every time after I loved it more and more.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much! Diving into Inherent Vice would be interesting because I didn't like it either. Would like to know where it went wrong or maybe why I didn't fully understand it.

[@cosmingalatianu7148]

Have you ever thought that his name, Barry Egan, is actually a wordplay for „Barely an Ego”? That is, of course, emphasizing the overwhelming anonymity in which he exists.

[@lizaestevez6928]

Entertain The Elk I like this video very interesting you should do more on the visual literacy video and you said in your video your influences were scorsese and kubrick?

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! If you want more Visual Literacy videos, check out my latest video on Boogie Nights and Goodfellas. I go in to it a little more. And yeah, Scorsese and Kubrick are huge influences.

[@lizaestevez6928]

Entertain The Elk I did seen you boogie nights and goodfellas video And yeah they both my influences I think that a lot of new directors need to learn visual literacy and study more of the classics like the shining 2001 goodfellas and this movie which is a influence to me

[@butterfly0277]

I’m pretty intrigued by The Day South Park Died. To me, it never has died. I was raised on it, and still watch it to this day. It evolved however, so much so that Trey Parker himself said that he would erase everything up to season 3 if he could. The format and style changed as well, adding in more 3D elements in animation and making the season one continuous story, instead of the old format of every episode ending with a lesson from Kyle and Kenny being revived the next episode. To be fair, it was a smart move. Many of the most popular shows in TV are using this format, meaning more views, more talk, and more profit as a result of this change. Although this allows for less jokes, that just makes the ones we get more thought out and funny. I’m not saying there aren’t dumb episodes or bad episodes, I just think the show should still be given a chance.

I'd love to watch more PTA content

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! I'm a big fan so there will definitely be more in the future.

[@benzykaram]

Quality upload. You're a bonafied cinephile brother. Live long and prosper. ✌

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@Markoman98]

Great video, now I'm inspired to watch mor of P.T. Anderson's movies Also comment section, sorry for bothering you, but net neutrality is in danger... again. All help is needed.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much! And preach Net Neutrality wherever you can!

[@levid5102]

This needs to be tought in school.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you for such a kind comment!

[@0cer0]

Punch Druck Love is a masterpiece. But its biggest achievement might be to finally give Adam Sandler something to work with and to show that he’s a decent actor. Edit: not only decent, but brilliant.

[@orodrigodemoraes]

hey man, are you the same guy from the director's series? I love your stuff

[@EntertainTheElk]

No. Does that mean you hate my stuff now?

[@Jdw-xc2ey]

What do you think of other PT Anderson films? Which of his other works do you like the most? Amazing video, per usual, and really love the film and the analysis.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you for the kind comment! Boogie Nights is a personal favorite of mine. Probably Top 3 fav film of all time. There Will Be Blood is a close 2nd. And then Magnolia, and PDL. I haven't loved his last two films. They're well made, but not especially rewatchable. I'm hoping Phantom Thread is great.

[@tonywords6713]

Entertain The Elk not true! they’re like kubrick movies, they get better each time. I adore the master and inherent vice sooo much.

[@avinashthamal]

Elk, you got the names of the paintings in that montage?

[@Corrooo]

How can I learn the visual language?

[@purmhy]

FunWithGuru anyone?

[@EntertainTheElk]

:)

[@KorbsArmyProductions]

Another great video. Have you seen PTA's music video he directed for Radiohead's song Daydreaming? Pretty awesome.

[@api2392]

wow. this video.

[@brandonhaab]

Did you have to delete the south park video? I can't find it.

[@MrFrawahr]

Very nice video. Thanks! Just one thing: The illustrations were not much suited to the whole thing I think.