When someone is as naturally gifted as Paul Thomas Anderson, they tend to know about it. The danger of knowing you are special is becoming enchanted by your own capabilities. Interesting, original, quality work comes so effortlessly that there is an inclination to indulge (See M. Night Shyamalan). An instinct to just keep exhibiting what's quaking inside. To generously free the art bottled up and let it spout out in a furious rush. Like a geyser. Like oil from the ground.
There Will Be Blood is about oil