Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, One Battle After Another, is his priciest yet. It cost about $150 million, nearly equal to the budgets of his last five films combined. While he likes to poke fun at his writing process—he still uses Microsoft Word, which he calls “the world’s worst program”—it’s part of his charm. Writing on Word, for him, feels like using a typewriter. He enjoys the bumps along the way that force him to think harder about his dialogue.
Anderson has spent nearly 20 years refining this script, cutting it down from an unwieldy 600 pages. Each draft brought him closer to creating a film filled with action and complexity, showcasing his signature style.
One Battle After Another follows Bob Ferguson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his daughter Willa, portrayed by newcomer Chase Infiniti. Their story begins with a radical group from the 1970s, a romance, and a fight against fascism. The plot thickens decades later when Bob’s troubled past comes back to haunt him. It’s a blend of heart-pounding action and personal storytelling.
Anderson mentions that this is his first film featuring smartphones. He credits DiCaprio and Infiniti for pointing out how a secret phone could impact the storyline. It’s that attention to detail that keeps the dialogue fresh and relatable.
When it comes to casting, Infinity shines, often outshining seasoned actors like DiCaprio and Sean Penn in crucial scenes. Anderson reflects on this, saying he felt he was waiting for someone like her. “Finding her was one of the lucky breaks I’ve had,” he says. It’s evident that Anderson’s inspiration comes not only from film but also from his life, especially being surrounded by women who push him to think differently.
The film also draws on Anderson’s influences. He looked to directors like Wong Kar-wai for his unique feel and energy, especially during the film’s first act. His intention is to make the audience feel the environment as much as the storyline.
In a fun twist, Anderson reveals that he sometimes contributes to other filmmakers’ scripts, sharing insights whenever asked. “It’s always a privilege,” he states, expressing gratitude for the guidance he received from directors like Robert Altman and Jonathan Demme.
As One Battle After Another hits theaters, it’s clear that its journey reflects Anderson’s own battles—against technology, in writing, and in life. His quest for authenticity in storytelling remains unwavering.
For a deeper dive into Anderson’s filmmaking style or analysis of the film, you can explore sources like the New York Times or Variety.
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