One Battle After Another Begins Its Fight

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The narrator appears from stage right, settles onto a chair shrouded in dim light, and uses a cloth to wipe away beads of sweat.

NARRATOR: These days, it’s just One Battle After Another.

Scene.

The forthcoming film by Paul Thomas Anderson is generating a lot of buzz as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited movies. Despite the possibility of its underperformance, it seems poised to become a timeless classic. Featuring a star-studded cast and helmed by a renowned director, this production was not spared an extravagant budget. This combination suggests that it’s bound to make a significant impact, if not for awards recognition during the upcoming season. Here’s what we currently know about the movie.

What does it look like?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=9u-2yB8GJ-Q

In the initial preview set for release on March 20th, main actor Leonardo DiCaprio contemplatively takes sips from a beer. The scene alternates with images of a pregnant woman firing a gun, a child, and a barren desert. A voice poses a troubling query: “What are you going to do about this baby?” Certainly, that’s a question full of foreboding.

Who’s in the cast?

Leonardo DiCaprio undeniably takes center stage, but don’t overlook the impressive ensemble that accompanies him. Teyana Taylor, known for “A Thousand and One”, Regina Hall from “Support the Girls”, two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn of “Milk”, Alana Haim, a favorite of Paul Thomas Anderson from “Licorice Pizza”, and Benicio del Toro famed for “Traffic” are all part of this stellar cast. Truly, that’s an extraordinary lineup!

What is it about?

The movie appears to be inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” as Paul Thomas Anderson previously adapted one of Pynchon’s works, “Inherent Vice.” Notably, “Vineland” is deeply rooted in the 1980s, specifically 1984, or Reagan-era America. The story follows a hippie named Zoyd, who reflects on the “free love” era of the ’60s to clarify our transition into the conservative period. On the other hand, the book “One Battle After Another” is set in modern times, making it challenging to determine how much creative freedom Anderson has taken with the original content while bringing it up-to-date.

What’s this about money?

According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, the movie’s production cost is approximately $140 million. This isn’t exceptionally high for a blockbuster film, but Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) isn’t typically associated with creating such movies. His highest-grossing film at the box office was There Will Be Blood, earning $76 million. Interestingly, his last production, Licorice Pizza, only cost $40 million – a stark contrast to the current project’s budget, which is $100 million more. The reason for this significant investment could be Leonardo DiCaprio, one of Hollywood’s leading stars. However, it’s important to note that while he is highly influential, there’s no guarantee he can ensure a box office success. Is he capable of ensuring a hit? That remains to be seen.

When is it coming out?

Originally set for an August 8 debut, the release of “One Battle After Another” has been postponed to September 16 by Warner Bros., shifting the film’s schedule to capitalize on a global Imax release and potentially boost its chances in awards season. This strategy can be likened to the “Oppenheimer” playbook, indicating a strategic decision. With most award-winning films being released in the fall rather than during the summer blockbusters, a move to a later date could position “Leo vs. Timmy” as a contender for the 2026 Oscars, setting up an epic showdown.

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2025-03-20 19:54