Silence has been key to the films of Paul Thomas Anderson. Capturing the intriguing, dynamic performances of his actors, the silence that would often elude others comes as a second language to the talented, adaptable filmmaker. By removing dialogue, Paul Thomas Anderson offers a moment of reflection for his characters, which carries past the screen to the very heart of his audience.
In a video compilation edited by Jacob T. Swinney, the reflective silence in Anderson’s movies is explored. Revisiting films like “Punch-Drunk Love,” “There Will Be Blood,” “The Master,” and “Inherent Vice,” each performance by Julianne Moore, Joaquin Phoenix, and Daniel Day-Lewis and others show characters awash with every feeling or completely void of emotion.
Silence can be uncomfortable for some, but Anderson finds truth and emotional power in those moments. PTA shows us that in silence more is revealed than words can describe.